RALEIGH, NC. — Shaw saw a second-half lead vanish as Fayetteville State stormed back for a 101–89 win Saturday evening inside Spaulding gym. The Bears led 78–75 with just over eight minutes remaining before the broncos seized control with a decisive closing run.
Shaw (16–9, 7–9 CIAA) opened the game with energy, shooting 20 of 43 in the first half and piling up 30 points in the paint while pushing the pace to build a 53–44 halftime advantage. Dreveon Scott powered the early surge, scoring 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting and creating multiple transition opportunities. Alijah England added 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Isaiah Buckley contributed 18 points in 39 minutes.
The second half, however, belonged to Fayetteville State (20–6, 14–2 CIAA). The broncos broke through with 57 points after the break and used aggressive defense to force 19 Shaw turnovers. Larry Howell fueled the comeback, finishing with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Ezekiel Cannedy added 22 points, including a string of free throws that gave fsu momentum.
Shaw briefly tied the score at 81–81 with 7:30 left, but FSU answered with back-to-back baskets and never trailed again. The Broncos closed the game by outscoring Shaw 20–8 over the final six minutes, capitalizing on second-chance points and fast-break opportunities.
Despite matching FSU with 52 points in the paint, Shaw's foul trouble and late-game turnovers proved costly. the bears also struggled at the line, shooting just 15 of 28.
Up Next
Shaw now awaits their opponent in the opening round of the 2026 CIAA Tournament held in Baltimore, MD at CFG Bank Arena.
