The Fayetteville State University men’s basketball team saw its postseason run come to an end with a 96–83 loss to California University of Pennsylvania in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional Quarterfinal.

The game, played at the Highmark Events Center, marked the conclusion of a strong season for the Broncos, who finished 23–7 overall.

🔥 Strong First Half Effort

Fayetteville State controlled much of the first half, showcasing balanced scoring and energy on both ends of the floor.

Big plays from multiple contributors helped the Broncos build momentum, including key shots from the perimeter and strong interior presence. A late three-pointer gave FSU a 45–42 lead, and they entered halftime narrowly ahead 45–44 after a last-second response from California (PA).

⚡ Second Half Shift

The game turned quickly after halftime.

Following an early basket to extend their lead, Fayetteville State was met with a decisive run from California (PA), fueled by transition scoring and perimeter shooting. The Vulcans surged ahead and stretched the lead to double digits, eventually pushing it to 72–54 midway through the second half.

Despite multiple comeback attempts, the Broncos were unable to regain control.

⭐ Standout Performances

• Ezekiel Cannedy led the Broncos with 20 points

• Larry Howell recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds

• Terrell Williams added a double-double of 13 points and 15 rebounds

Additional contributions came from:

• Darius Boben (8 points)

• Kenneth Brayboy (8 points, late dunks)

📊 Game Notes

• Final Score: California (PA) 96, Fayetteville State 83

• Halftime: FSU led 45–44

• Shooting: 35.3% from the field, 30% from three

• Bench Points: 34

• Second-Chance Points: 23

🏁 Season Reflection

Despite the loss, Fayetteville State’s season stands as a major success. The Broncos captured a conference title and carried momentum into the NCAA Tournament, highlighting their depth, toughness, and ability to compete at a high level.

With key contributors stepping up on the national stage, the program continues to build toward deeper postseason runs in the future.

The Winston-Salem State University women’s basketball team saw its remarkable postseason run come to a crushing end Monday night, dropping a 65–64 thriller to Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Championship.

Inside the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex, the Lady Rams battled from start to finish in a game defined by momentum swings, clutch shots, and late-game drama.

Winston-Salem State finishes the season with an impressive 28–4 record, capping off one of the program’s strongest campaigns.

🔥 Back-and-Forth Battle

The Rams showed early resilience, overcoming an early deficit with a strong closing run in the first quarter to take a narrow lead. They carried that momentum into the second, building a double-digit advantage before IUP responded late in the half.

After leading 32–27 at halftime, Winston-Salem State continued to fight through a tightly contested third quarter, holding a 50–47 edge heading into the final period.

💔 Final Seconds Decide It

In the fourth quarter, the Rams appeared in control late, extending their lead to 64–60 with just 36 seconds remaining.

But IUP responded when it mattered most.

A clutch three-pointer in the final seconds gave the Crimson Hawks a 65–64 lead, completing a late comeback. Winston-Salem State had one final opportunity, but a last-second shot attempt missed, sealing the heartbreaking loss.

⭐ Key Performers

• Ah’Kiyah Pye led the Rams with 16 points and strong all-around play

• Makayla Waleed added key scoring off the bench

• Alana Biosse contributed 11 points, including critical three-pointers

As a team, the Rams shot over 40% from the field, forced 19 turnovers, and showed defensive intensity with 13 steals.

📊 Game Snapshot

• Final Score: IUP 65, WSSU 64

• Lead changes: 13

• Ties: 10

• A true championship-level battle from start to finish

🏁 Season Reflection

Despite the loss, Winston-Salem State’s run to the regional championship highlighted the program’s growth, resilience, and championship potential.

One possession short of advancing, the Lady Rams proved they belong among the nation’s elite in Division II women’s basketball.

NORFOLK, Va. — Howard University claimed the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament title Saturday with a 53–46 win over Norfolk State at The Scope, completing a sweep of the league’s tournament crowns after the Howard men also won the MEAC championship.

The Bison, who last earned a MEAC title and NCAA automatic bid in 2022, were led by MEAC Player of the Year and Tournament MVP Zennia Thomas, who posted 15 points and eight rebounds. Nile Miller added 12 points and a game-high 13 boards, while Ariella Henigan, the league’s Rookie of the Year, chipped in 11 points. Howard improved to 26–7 on the season.

Norfolk State, aiming for a fourth consecutive MEAC tournament title and NCAA berth, finished its campaign at 18–13. Jasha Hinton led the Spartans with 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists, and Anjanae Richardson added 10 points.

After trailing 16–9 after the first quarter, Norfolk State rallied to tie the game 27–27 at halftime. Howard responded in the second half with key baskets from Zoe Stewart and a 9–2 run that gave the Bison a 42–33 advantage after three quarters. Norfolk State closed the gap to 47–43 in the final period, but Howard’s Miller scored inside to extend the lead, and the Bison finished strong with four of the game’s final seven points to secure the 53–46 win.

Head coach Ty Grace praised the Spartans’ program and credited his team’s preparation and execution. Miller, the lone senior at the postgame press conference, reflected on finally capturing a MEAC title after four seasons of trying.

2026 MEAC Women’s Basketball All-Tournament Team

• Zennia Thomas, Howard (Tournament Outstanding Player)

• Ariella Henigan, Howard

• Jasha Clinton, Norfolk State

• Anjanae Richardson, Norfolk State

• Kaliya Perry, UMES

NORFOLK, Va. — Howard University captured the 2026 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Men’s Basketball Tournament championship Saturday with a 70–63 victory over North Carolina Central.

The Bison were led by Bryce Harris, Cam Gillus, and Ose Okojie, who each scored 14 points to power Howard to the conference title and an automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament.

Harris delivered a standout performance throughout the tournament and was named the MEAC Tournament Outstanding Player. Howard head coach Kenneth Blakney was also honored, earning Outstanding Coach recognition after guiding the Bison to the championship.

Howard’s balanced scoring and defensive effort helped secure the win against North Carolina Central in a tightly contested title game. The victory marks another milestone for the Bison program as they return to the national stage.

North Carolina Central received strong performances during the tournament from Dionte Johnson and Gage Lattimore, both of whom were recognized on the All-Tournament Team.

2026 MEAC Men’s Basketball All-Tournament Team
Bryce Harris — Howard (Tournament Outstanding Player)
Cam Gillus — Howard
Cedric Taylor III — Howard
Dionte Johnson — North Carolina Central
Gage Lattimore — North Carolina Central

Howard head coach Kenneth Blakney was named the MEAC Tournament Outstanding Coach for his leadership throughout the championship run.

INDIANA, Pa. — The No. 13 Winston-Salem State Lady Rams continued their strong postseason run Saturday evening, defeating Gannon University 67–48 in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Tournament at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex.

With the victory, Winston-Salem State improves to 28–3 on the season and advances to the Atlantic Region championship game.

Maia Charles led the Lady Rams with a game-high 19 points, while Makayla Waleed and Jakaiya Mack each added 10 points to help pace the offense.

Winston-Salem State controlled the game early, jumping out to a 9–0 lead in the opening quarter following a jumper by Waleed. The Lady Rams continued to build momentum and pushed the advantage to 19–4 after a three-pointer midway through the period. Gannon responded with an 11–4 run late in the quarter, but Winston-Salem State still carried a 23–15 lead into the second.

The Lady Rams extended their lead in the second quarter. Charles scored on a layup to make it 28–15, and a three-pointer from Nevaeh Farmer stretched the margin to 35–21. Winston-Salem State closed the half in style when Alana Biosse knocked down a three-pointer at the buzzer, sending the Lady Rams into halftime with a 43–28 advantage.

Winston-Salem State continued to maintain control in the third quarter. A 7–2 run capped by a layup from Mack pushed the lead to 50–32, and the Lady Rams carried a 57–37 advantage into the final period.

Gannon attempted to rally in the fourth quarter with a 7–2 run that cut the deficit to 59–44, but the Lady Rams responded quickly. Charles added another basket late, and Winston-Salem State sealed the victory at the free-throw line to secure the 67–48 win.

The Lady Rams finished the game shooting 23-of-53 from the field and an impressive 8-of-15 from three-point range. Winston-Salem State also forced 23 turnovers, recorded 16 steals, grabbed 35 rebounds, and scored 26 points in the paint.

With the win, Winston-Salem State advances to face either No. 1 Indiana (Pa.) or No. 4 Seton Hill in the Atlantic Region championship game on March 16. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Kovalchick Convention & Athletic Complex.