BALTIMORE, MD  — Fayetteville State is heading back to Championship Saturday — and they’re bringing some serious momentum with them. Behind a dominant showing from senior forward Larry Howell, the Food Lion Player of the Game, the Broncos surged past Johnson C. Smith 90–68 in Friday’s CIAA semifinal at CFG Bank Arena. The win sends FSU (23–6) into the CIAA Championship against Bluefield State, set for Saturday, February 28 at 4 p.m.

The women’s team will also play for a title, marking a special day for the Broncos program.

Fayetteville State opened the game with urgency and precision. Travon Cooper drilled the first shot of the night from three, followed moments later by another transition three from Terrell Williams off a Howell steal. Howell then delivered six straight points — a jumper, a strong drive, and two free throws — as the Broncos jumped out to a commanding early lead.

Aquino, Williams, and Cooper all contributed key baskets inside to keep Fayetteville State ahead, even as Johnson C. Smith fought back behind the scoring of Trey Pettigrew and Jamauri Bryant.

Late in the half, Kenneth Brayboy knocked down a timely corner three, and Williams added a late finish off a Howell assist to help FSU take a 40–35 advantage into intermission.

The Broncos came out of the locker room with the same fire that opened the game. Howell knocked down a smooth three to start the half, and from there, the momentum never shifted back.

Aquino energized the group with multiple offensive rebounds and tip-ins, while Williams once again set up transition opportunities with key steals. Cooper scored in transition and later buried a three from the wing that pushed the lead into double digits.

Howell continued his takeover with a deep three and steady trips to the free throw line, finishing the night an impressive 13-of-14 from the stripe. Brayboy and Kourouma added big plays off the bench — including a put-back dunk and a clutch three — as the Broncos’ depth pushed the game out of reach.

As the lead grew beyond 20, FSU’s defense suffocated the Golden Bulls, holding them to 0-of-7 from three in the second half and dominating the glass. The Broncos closed the game with contributions from the full roster, sealing their most complete postseason performance of the year.

With the men and women both advancing, Fayetteville State enters Saturday with a chance to create history. The Broncos will now face Bluefield State at 4 p.m. for the CIAA title, riding a wave of confidence after a 90-point semifinal performance and a display of depth, defensive pressure, and championship-level execution.