FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The Fayetteville State University women’s basketball team has been ranked 5th in the NCAA Division II Atlantic Region, according to the latest regional rankings. The Lady Broncos, currently 19–4 overall, continue to build an impressive résumé behind one of the strongest defensive units in the country and a highly efficient, balanced style of play this season.
Fayetteville State leads the nation in Field Goal Percentage Defense, holding opponents to just 31.0%, the #1 mark in NCAA Division II. The team’s defensive dominance also places them 13th nationally in Scoring Defense, allowing only 53.7 points per game, making the Broncos one of the toughest teams to score against in college basketball.
On the boards, Fayetteville State ranks 23rd nationally in Rebounds Per Game (42.17) and 13th nationally in Defensive Rebounds Per Game (29.3). The Broncos also excel in ball control and distribution, ranking 1st in the CIAA in both Assists Per Game (14.7) and Assist/Turnover Ratio (0.80)—demonstrating the team’s ability to manage tempo and create offensive opportunities.
Offensively, the Broncos continue to show consistency and balance, ranking 2nd in the CIAA in Scoring Margin (+12.2), 2nd in Three‑Pointers Made Per Game (5.6), and 4th in Scoring Offense (66.0 points per game). Their efficiency on both ends of the floor has propelled them into regional and national conversations as a serious postseason contender.
Talia Trotter has emerged as one of the premier floor generals in the CIAA and nationally:
- 22nd nationally in Assists Per Game (4.9)
- 1st in the CIAA in Assists Per Game
- 1st in the CIAA in Assist/Turnover Ratio (1.55)
- 39th nationally in Total Assists (113)
Trotter also ranks 4th in the CIAA in Free Throw Percentage (75.6%).
Amina Miles and Kelis Carmon continue to anchor the interior:
- Miles ranks 48th nationally in Blocks Per Game (1.50)
- Carmon ranks 136th nationally in Blocks Per Game (1.00)
Nyah Wilkins contributes significantly on the glass, ranking 7th in the CIAA in Defensive Rebounds Per Game (4.7).
KaNyah O’Neal and Talia Trotter also rank top‑20 in the CIAA for steals, contributing to the team’s pressure‑heavy defensive identity.
Top National Rankings
- #1 — Field Goal Percentage Defense (31.0%)
- #13 — Scoring Defense (53.7 ppg allowed)
- #23 — Rebounds Per Game (42.17)
- #41 — Steals Per Game (11.5)
- #52 — Turnovers Forced Per Game (19.74)
- #58 — Fouls Per Game (15.0)
Top CIAA Rankings
- #1 — Assists Per Game (14.7)
- #1 — Assist/Turnover Ratio (0.80)
- #1 — Defensive Rebounds Per Game (29.3)
- #2 — Winning Percentage (82.6%)
- #2 — Scoring Margin (+12.2)
- #2 — Three‑Pointers Per Game (5.6)
Fayetteville State will take on Virginia Union tonight at 6:00 PM in the Quarterfinals of the Food Lion CIAA Basketball Tournament, held at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland.
The matchup features two of the CIAA’s top defensive programs. The Broncos enter the contest with momentum from their regional ranking and a season defined by elite defensive play and efficient team basketball. A win tonight would advance Fayetteville State to the CIAA Tournament Semifinals, moving one step closer to securing both a conference title and an NCAA Tournament berth.
With exceptional defensive numbers, balanced offensive execution, and impactful leadership from players such as Talia Trotter, the Lady Broncos are poised for a strong postseason run. Their performance in Baltimore could play a key role in solidifying their position within the regional rankings as they chase a spot in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
