ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. (Dec. 4, 2025) — Elizabeth City State University opened CIAA play on Wednesday night at the R.L. Vaughan Center, falling 60–31 to a strong Fayetteville State squad that improved to 6–1 on the season.

The Vikings (2–4, 0–1 CIAA) battled early, tying the game twice in the opening quarter, but the Broncos used a 10–0 run to build separation and never looked back. Fayetteville State shot an impressive 66.7% in the first period and knocked down seven three-pointers on the night while holding ECSU to just 22.4% shooting from the floor.

Senior forward Tionna Pettus was a bright spot for the Vikings, finishing with 8 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Jada Clark added 5 points and played a team-high 36 minutes, while Alexis Staton and Trinity Smith each contributed 5 and 3 points respectively.

Fayetteville State's depth proved critical, as the Broncos' bench accounted for 28 of their 60 points. KaNyah O'Neal led all scorers with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Taleah Stephens and Samiyah Barker combined for 17 points off the bench.

ECSU struggled to find offensive rhythm throughout the contest, managing only four points in the paint and going 4-of-21 from beyond the arc. The Vikings were out-rebounded 36–30 and committed 18 turnovers, which Fayetteville State converted into 15 points.

The Broncos led 39–20 at halftime and used a stifling defensive effort in the fourth quarter—holding ECSU to just four points—to seal the win.

Elizabeth City State returns to action on Tuesday as they continue CIAA play, hosting the Shaw Bears at 5:30 pm.