Fayetteville State Rallies Late to Capture 2026 CIAA Men’s Basketball Championship

BALTIMORE, Md. — Championship games often come down to one thing: who delivers when the pressure peaks. On Saturday inside CFG Bank Arena, Fayetteville State found its closer — and rode him all the way to a title.

Behind a spectacular second-half performance from Terrell Williams, Fayetteville State erased an eight-point halftime deficit to defeat Bluefield State 71–68, capturing the 2026 CIAA Men’s Basketball Championship and securing an automatic berth into the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament.

Williams was unstoppable when it mattered most, finishing with 29 points while earning both Food Lion Player of the Game honors and CIAA Tournament MVP recognition. His shot-making, composure, and leadership fueled a comeback that transformed early frustration into championship celebration.

For Fayetteville State (23–6), the victory marked a return to conference supremacy — built on defensive pressure, resilience, and timely execution.

Bluefield State Strikes First

Bluefield State entered the championship loose and confident, playing with the energy of a team embracing the moment. Ellija Preddy led the early charge, scoring from all three levels on his way to a 20-point performance, while Anthony Latty dominated the interior with powerful finishes and second-chance baskets.

The Big Blue surged to a 28–14 advantage, controlling tempo and forcing Fayetteville State into uncomfortable offensive possessions. Even as the Broncos struggled to find rhythm, Williams kept them within striking distance, knocking down two critical three-pointers.

Additional contributions from Darius Boben, Larry Howell, and Travon Cooper helped steady the Broncos, but Bluefield State carried a 40–32 lead into halftime, appearing firmly in control.

The Turning Point

Championship teams respond — and Fayetteville State’s response came immediately after the break.

Williams opened the second half attacking downhill, scoring on a layup before drilling a deep three that reignited the Broncos’ sideline and cut the deficit to a single possession. Though Bluefield State briefly rebuilt its lead behind Latty’s interior presence, momentum was beginning to shift.

Boben ignited the rally with consecutive fastbreak layups sparked by defensive pressure, including a steal from Romeo Aquino that energized the crowd. Moments later, Ezekiel Cannedy buried a momentum-changing three, trimming the gap and forcing Bluefield State onto its heels.

Turnovers began to mount for the Big Blue as Fayetteville State’s defense tightened. Williams calmly sank free throws to pull within one, and Aquino tied the game at the line, completing the comeback.

Then came the defining moment.

Williams attacked the lane for a go-ahead layup — Fayetteville State’s first lead since the opening minutes — flipping the energy inside CFG Bank Arena entirely.

Closing Time

Bluefield State refused to fade quietly. Preddy connected on a contested three with 32 seconds remaining to cut the deficit to two, setting up a tense finish.

But Fayetteville State executed like champions.

Howell delivered the shot of the night earlier in the stretch, drilling a deep left-wing three to give the Broncos control before finishing a transition basket moments later off a Boben steal. Aquino added a clutch free throw in the closing seconds, and Howell secured the final rebound before sealing the victory at the line.

A last-second heave from Bluefield State fell short as the horn sounded, sending Fayetteville State players sprinting onto the court while blue confetti rained down from above.

Championship Identity

The Broncos flipped the game with a dominant 39–28 second half fueled by defense and efficiency. Fayetteville State shot 43.8 percent from three-point range and converted 16 steals into 25 points off turnovers — the difference in a game defined by momentum swings.

Alongside Williams’ 29 points, Howell and Boben each added 14, while Aquino and Cannedy delivered pivotal plays that shifted the contest during its most critical stretch.

Bluefield State’s effort matched the championship stage. Preddy finished with 20 points, Latty recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Myles Pierre added 13 as the Big Blue controlled long stretches offensively. Ultimately, Fayetteville State’s depth and late-game execution proved decisive.

What Comes Next

With the CIAA crown secured, Fayetteville State now turns its focus to the national stage. The Broncos earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Atlantic Regional Tournament and will learn their postseason fate during the NCAA Selection Show on Sunday, March 8, on NCAA.com.

For now, though, the moment belongs to Fayetteville State — a comeback forged through pressure, resilience, and a star performance that will live in CIAA championship history.

The Broncos are champions once again.

2026 CIAA Men’s Basketball All-Tournament Team

Jacob Cooper – Virginia State
Alex Atkinson – Claflin
Larry Howell – Fayetteville State
Julius Olanewaju – Lincoln (PA)
Anthony Davenport – Bluefield State
Malachi Dark – Virginia Union
Terrell Williams – Fayetteville State
Myles Pierre – Bluefield State
K.J. West – Bowie State
Jared Davis – Johnson C. Smith

Tournament MVP: Terrell Williams – Fayetteville State
Team Sportsmanship Award: Johnson C. Smith