Raleigh, NC – In a series known for its close game finishes, another classic was added to the history books unfortunately as the Shaw Bears fell to Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Southern Division rival Fayetteville State University 15-12 in a rain-drenched battle of two physical teams Saturday inside the George Williams Athletic Complex.

Shaw sees its three-game winning streak snapped falling to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the CIAA while FSU improves to 4-1 overall and 3-0 in CIAA competition.

After receiving the opening kickoff, Shaw picked up a first down just before Christian Peters's pass was intercepted at the 32-yard line. FSU wasted little time cashing in on the first play scoring from 32 yards out. The PAT was no good putting FSU ahead early 6-0 with 13:31 left in the first.

Shaw answered with an impressive kick return from Jermaine Russel up to the Shaw 40-yard line. The Bears used the good field position driving inside the FSU 20-yard line before settling for a 29-yard Devin Versteegen field goal trimming the Shaw deficit to 6-3 with just over eight minutes left in the opening quarter.

A short Broncos punt set the Bears up with great field position yet again resulting in a three-yard rushing score from Andre Brandon Jr. The PAT was no good putting Shaw ahead 9-6 at the 3:06 mark. The Bears would get the ball back after an FSU fumble at the 25-yard line caused by Kevin Sherman that was recovered by Keyon Tyson. The Bears went backward on the drive resulting in a Shaw turnover on downs.

Both teams traded punts followed by an FSU fumble recovered by Sherman. Another Shaw punt followed. The Shaw defense forced a three and out, but on the Broncos punt, the punter bobbled the snap at the FSU 10-yard line. Versteegen added his second field goal of the day from 26 yards out putting Shaw ahead 12-6 with just over two minutes remaining in the half.

FSU received the ball to start the half and went three and out. A bobbled snap on the punt allowed the Broncos to pick up a first down after scooping up the loose ball. The Bears defense settled in to force a 44-yard FSU field goal attempt that sailed wide right.  Punts followed from both teams as the rain fell its hardest of the contest.  A Shaw interception by Anthony Carter was overturned giving FSU life who took advantage scoring on a short pass play with 12.2 left in the third. The two-point conversion was no good making the score 12-12.

Neither team's offense could get it going after the tie during the fourth quarter until FSU converted two key third-down conversions setting them up for the go-ahead 42-yard field with 47.7 remaining. Shaw would get one last chance on offense but all four passes fell incomplete.

The Broncos outgained the Bears in total offense 283-136 holding the number one rushing offense in Shaw to just 115 yards. The Bears finished with just 21 yards passing largely due to the heavy rain conditions throughout the contest. Gibbs finished with 95 yards on 16 carries. Dashawn Wallace topped the Bears with 10 total tackles. Kareem Butler followed with six with two being stops for a loss.

The Bears will look to return to the win column Saturday, October 16 as Shaw travels to Livingstone College. Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. in Salisbury, NC.