Courtesy of the CIAA
Fayetteville State (21–6, 14–2 CIAA) delivered its most dramatic performance of the season on Wednesday night, erasing a double-digit first-half deficit and outlasting Bowie State (8–22, 5–12 CIAA) in a thrilling 86–83 victory in the CIAA Tournament quarterfinals at CFG Bank Arena. Behind an electric second half and a masterful effort from Food Lion Player of the Game Terrell Williams, the Broncos punched their ticket to the semifinals, where they will face the winner of Thursday’s Virginia Union vs. Johnson C. Smith matchup on Friday, February 27 at 8:00 PM.
Bowie State opened the game with blistering pace and remarkable shot-making, racing to a 41–32 halftime lead behind the dominance of KJ West, who poured in 24 points and 10 rebounds, and sharp shooting from Charles Thomas III, who added 17 off the bench. The Bulldogs shot over 40 percent from deep and repeatedly found their rhythm in transition, pushing the Broncos onto their heels during a first half controlled by Bowie State’s physical play and relentless rebounding.
Fayetteville State, however, emerged from the locker room with renewed urgency.
Williams seized control to start the second half, attacking the rim, pushing tempo, and scoring seven points in the opening minutes as the Broncos began trimming the margin. His ability to manufacture points, break Bowie State’s defensive pressure, and draw fouls turned the momentum. Williams finished with a game-high 26 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and a steal—impacting every facet of the floor during Fayetteville State’s comeback push.
The Broncos’ defensive intensity rose as well. Larry Howell, who anchored FSU inside with 18 points and eight rebounds, sparked a critical run with back-to-back finishes that cut the Bowie State lead to single digits. Romeo Aquino added another strong tournament showing, scoring 16 points and going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, including multiple clutch makes in the closing minutes.
Fayetteville State’s surge became unstoppable midway through the half.
After trailing by as many as 13, the Broncos rattled off a 20–6 run fueled by transition baskets, offensive rebounds, and forceful drives. Howell converted a go-ahead layup with 13:17 remaining, marking FSU’s first lead of the game at 53–52. The Broncos eventually pushed their advantage to nine, but Bowie State countered with a late barrage of timely threes and transition buckets to set up a dramatic final minute.
With the Broncos leading 82–81 at the 29-second mark, both teams traded turnovers before Jordan Downs scored on a fast-break layup to put Bowie State ahead 83–82 with just 23 seconds left. But the Broncos responded instantly. On the ensuing possession, Aquino sliced through the lane for a go-ahead layup to reclaim the lead, 84–83, with 19 seconds remaining.
Then chaos unfolded.
A series of fouls and technicals in the final eight seconds sent Howell to the line, where he iced two critical free throws to extend the lead to 86–83. Bowen State’s final heave fell short, sealing Fayetteville State’s gritty, emotional comeback victory.
In addition to Williams’ standout performance, Ezekiel Cannedy added 13 points—including a pivotal jumper early in the second half—and Kenneth Brayboy contributed valuable minutes off the bench with four points and timely rebounds. The Broncos dominated the paint with 44 points inside, overcame 11 turnovers with aggressive second-half rebounding, and outpaced Bowie State on fast breaks by a 21–12 margin.
Despite the loss, Bowie State put forth one of its best efforts of the season, with West, Thomas III, and Jailin Landis (14 points) leading an explosive offensive showing.
But in the end, Fayetteville State’s composure, depth, and star power were too much to overcome.
The win sends the Broncos to the CIAA Semifinals on Friday night at 8:00 PM, where they will continue their championship pursuit against the winner of Virginia Union vs. Johnson C. Smith.
