Fayetteville State rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit and led NC Central in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles’ late surge secured a 60-56 exhibition win. Samiyah Barker led the Broncos with 14 points; the team forced 31 turnovers but was outmatched on the boards.

By the Numbers
  • Final score: NC Central 60, Fayetteville State 56.
  • Fayetteville State forced 31 turnovers and recorded 12 steals.
  • NC Central outrebounded Fayetteville State 47-26, including 16 offensive rebounds.
  • Barker scored 14 points; Ameya Brown and Jahniya Marion added 11 apiece.
Yes, But

The Broncos’ pressure defense created opportunities, and they outscored NC Central 20-11 in the third quarter. But the Eagles’ rebounding advantage and late-game execution proved decisive.

What’s Next

Fayetteville State opens its regular-season preparations at the CIAA/PSAC Challenge in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, as it pursues another CIAA championship run.

Bottom Line

The exhibition showed Fayetteville State can disrupt opponents and rally from a deficit; improving its work on the boards will be key to turning that defensive pressure into wins.