Fayetteville State Broncos Clinch Third Straight CIAA Championship Berth, Inspiring the HBCU Community

The Fayetteville State Broncos have once again proven their dominance on the court, clinching their third consecutive appearance in the CIAA (Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association) women's basketball championship game. In a thrilling battle against the resilient Bowie State Bulldogs, the Broncos prevailed 49-46, showcasing the grit and determination that has become their trademark.

Nyah Wilkins led the Broncos with an impressive double-double, scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, while also contributing 4 steals. Talia Trotter added 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals, further solidifying the Broncos' well-rounded attack.

Bowie State's Malaka Cobb led all scorers with 14 points, including a pair of three-pointers, but the Bulldogs' offensive surge in the third quarter was ultimately not enough to overcome the Broncos' stifling defense in the final period.

As Bowie State head coach Shadae Swan explained, the Bulldogs struggled to maintain their momentum, falling into bad habits and settling for jump shots instead of attacking the rim. "I really think it was more about us," said Coach Swan. "From the beginning of the season, we always practiced don't go looking for fouls because it's a 50/50 chance you're going to get the foul.

On the other hand, Fayetteville State head coach Tyreece Brown remained confident in his team's ability to rise to the occasion, even when facing a deficit. "I feel confident because I have [my players]," said Coach Brown. "I may feel [upset] when stuff ain't going our way, but I'll sit on the side, blow off a little steam, and I'm good. Because I trust [my team], we can be down 10 or whatever, 5, I trust them. The only way I'll panic is if I don't trust them. If I feel as though we don't got nothing, then we're done. No, I'll be cool, we've been here before."

"The Fayetteville State Broncos' resilience and championship pedigree have propelled them to the brink of another CIAA title, showcasing the talent and determination that HBCU athletes bring to the table."

The Broncos' victory sets up a highly anticipated championship game against their CIAA South rival, the Winston-Salem State Rams. These two teams have split their regular-season matchups, with Fayetteville State handing Winston-Salem State its first loss against a Division II opponent earlier in the season.

This championship game will be a true test of the Broncos' ability to defend their title, and it will be a moment of pride for the entire HBCU community. As the premier online destination for HBCU alumni and supporters, HBCUConnect.com will be closely following the Broncos' journey, celebrating their success and the excellence that HBCU athletics consistently deliver.

Originally reported by HBCU Sports.