Broncos Showcase Poise in Thrilling CIAA Championship Victory

BALTIMORE β€” Two historic HBCU programs, Fayetteville State and Bluefield State, faced off in a gripping CIAA championship game that showcased the very best of HBCU basketball. In a dramatic turn of events, Fayetteville State rallied from a 14-point first-half deficit to defeat Bluefield State 71-68, claiming the CIAA title and the league's automatic NCAA Division II Tournament bid.

The storylines leading up to this matchup were rich with intrigue. Luke D'Alessio, who coached Fayetteville State from 2019 to 2025, had recently taken the head coaching job at Bluefield State. Meanwhile, Devin Hoehn, who had resigned from Bluefield State last April, was named Fayetteville State's new head coach the very next day. This HBCU coaching carousel set the stage for an electrifying championship game.

Bluefield State controlled the early tempo, building a 40-32 halftime lead and maintaining the advantage for more than 32 minutes of game time. They shot efficiently in the first half and dictated the pace. However, Fayetteville State remained undaunted, patiently chipping away at the deficit.

"We're not going to get a nine-point play back in one possession," Hoehn said. "If we can keep chipping each media timeout, by the time it gets close, they're going to start shaking because they have not been on this stage before, and I got five guys that have been."

The Broncos' steady pressure paid off, as they outscored Bluefield State 39-28 in the second half.

"My coaches always told me to be confident in my shot. We work out every day. They got me right for this opportunity. If I have a shot, I'm going to take it."

Williams' poise and clutch performance were vital, as the game featured 10 lead changes and four ties. Bluefield State's Anthony Latty (18 points) and Ellija Preddy (20 points) kept the Big Blues in the hunt, but Fayetteville State's composure and execution ultimately sealed the victory.

The Broncos committed just 7 turnovers, compared to Bluefield State's 21, a gap that proved pivotal in flipping the momentum. Fayetteville State also excelled at the free-throw line, converting 18 of their 25 attempts.

"The motto we've been saying all year," Hoehn said. "Never get too high, never get too low."

HBCUConnect Perspective: This thrilling CIAA championship game showcases the incredible talent and competitiveness within HBCU basketball. The storylines of the coaching carousel and the battle between two historic programs added an extra layer of intrigue, but ultimately, it was the Broncos' poise, patience, and execution that proved to be the difference. This victory not only secures Fayetteville State's place in the NCAA Division II Tournament but also highlights the enduring excellence of HBCU athletics and the resilience of these student-athletes. Moments like these remind us why the HBCU community takes such immense pride in the achievements of its sports programs.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.