Fayetteville State Broncos Triumph in Epic HBCU Showdown

In a thrilling HBCU basketball showdown, the Fayetteville State Broncos emerged victorious with an 82-80 win over the Claflin Panthers. This epic clash was a testament to the rich history and competitive spirit of HBCU sports, as the two teams battled for redemption and momentum.

The first half belonged to the Panthers, as they controlled the tempo and built a 43-37 halftime lead. Claflin's Cristian Sanon led the charge with 18 points, and the Panthers punished Fayetteville State inside, finishing with 40 points in the paint and 21 fast-break points.

But the Broncos were not deterred. Head coach Devin Hoehn rallied his team, telling them to "keep fighting and keep playing to the last whistle." And that's exactly what they did.

The Broncos were led by standout performances from Ezekiel Cannedy (19 points), Romeo Aquino (18 points on 6-of-9 shooting), and Travon Cooper (16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 blocks).

"With five minutes left, I told them specifically nobody practices five-minute game situations more than us. We had to let that show right then."

Despite shooting just 32.9% overall, Fayetteville State found ways to win through toughness and composure. The Broncos' 84.0% free-throw shooting proved to be a crucial edge in the two-point game, while Claflin's 39.1% free-throw shooting left valuable points on the floor.

This victory extends Fayetteville State's winning streak to eight straight games and solidifies their position as the No. 1 seed in the CIAA South heading into February. Head coach Devin Hoehn remains focused, however, stating that "Nothing has solidified yet, but I'm proud of these guys."

For the HBCU community, this thrilling win by the Fayetteville State Broncos is a testament to the resilience, talent, and competitive spirit that defines HBCU athletics. The Broncos' ability to overcome adversity and deliver a clutch performance in the face of a tough opponent serves as an inspiration to all HBCU athletes and fans. This victory not only solidifies Fayetteville State's standing in the conference but also reinforces the rich tradition and unwavering determination that characterize HBCU sports at their finest.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.