Fayetteville State Narrowly Loses to USC Aiken

News Summary

In a thrilling matchup on December 14, 2024, the Fayetteville State Broncos fell to the USC Aiken Pacers with a final score of 69-61. The game saw dramatic shifts in momentum, with the Broncos initially leading before the Pacers rallied to equalize before halftime. Standout performances included 22 points from Ezekiel Cannedy for Fayetteville and 17 points from Rhyjon Blackwell for USC Aiken. The loss highlighted the resilience of the Broncos, who pulled down 12 offensive rebounds and scored 15 second-chance points, as they prepare for upcoming conference play.

Close Call for Fayetteville State as They Fall to USC Aiken

Aiken, SC – It was a nail-biter of a game on December 14, 2024, as the Fayetteville State Broncos found themselves narrowly defeated by the USC Aiken Pacers with a final score of 69-61. Basketball fans packed the bleachers at the Convocation Center, eager to see their teams clash in an intense matchup.

Action-Packed Start

The game kicked off with a bang. In a flash, the Broncos took control, launching an impressive 12-0 run that had the crowd buzzing. At one point, Fayetteville State found themselves leading 21-11, showing their intention to dominate early on. Their aggressive strategy paid off, especially in the paint, where they scored 14 of their 28 points before halftime.

Halftime Hustle

But the Pacers weren’t going to let things slip away that easily. By the time the halftime buzzer sounded, they had managed to equalize the score at 28-28, demonstrating their capacity to regroup and challenge the Broncos’ early momentum. It was clear that both teams were ready to battle it out in the second half for a shot at victory.

Second Half Shuffle

After the halftime break, Fayetteville State came out with renewed energy, beginning with a quick 6-0 run to take a 34-28 lead. Just when it seemed like the Broncos had the upper hand, USC Aiken rallied back, displaying a strong offensive performance that saw them outscore Fayetteville State by 41-27 throughout the second half.

Standout Performances

Leading the charge for the Broncos was Ezekiel Cannedy, who delivered an outstanding performance, racking up 22 points, alongside six rebounds and three steals. His contribution was vital in keeping his team competitive. Not to be overlooked, Caleb Simmons recorded his third double-double of the season, with 10 points and 10 rebounds—a remarkable feat that highlights his ability to impact the game on both sides of the court. Furthermore, Tairell Fletcher chipped in with 12 points, four assists, and two steals, aiding his team’s efforts throughout the match.

On the other side of the court, Rhyjon Blackwell led USC Aiken with an impressive 17 points, showcasing his shooting prowess by sinking 5 of 9 attempts from the field, including 3 of 6 from beyond the arc. Jalen McCoy was also a key player for the Pacers, adding 14 points and contributing valuable minutes on the floor.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, USC Aiken improved to an overall record of 6-3. On the bright side for Fayetteville State, they demonstrated resilience by pulling down an impressive 12 offensive rebounds, which allowed them to score 15 second-chance points. As both teams prepare to get back to their routines, Fayetteville State is set to kick off conference play the following week, offering them a chance for redemption and a fresh start.

Basketball enthusiasts looking to keep up with the action can head over to fsubroncos.com/gameday for details on upcoming games. As the season rolls on, it promises to be an exciting journey for the Broncos as they strive to bounce back from this close loss.