Augusta, GA
Cannedy and Fletcher lead Fayetteville State over Augusta 79-62 – Fayetteville State University Athletics
AUGUSTA, GA — Fayetteville State secured a decisive victory over Augusta with a final score of 79-62 on November 20, 2024, at the George A. Christenberry Fieldhouse in Augusta, GA.
Ezekiel Cannedy led the charge for Fayetteville State, scoring 23 points, including five three-pointers, and grabbing four rebounds. Tairell Fletcher added 22 points, shooting 10-17 from the field, and contributed three steals. Caleb Simmons was a force on both ends, scoring 17 points, securing nine rebounds, and making two assists. Myles Pierre provided a spark off the bench with 13 points, including a perfect 4-4 from the free-throw line.
Despite a strong effort from Augusta’s Demitri Gardner, who scored 21 points and hit three three-pointers, Fayetteville State’s balanced attack and solid defense proved too much for Augusta to overcome. The win improved Fayetteville State’s record to 4-1, while Augusta fell to 0-4.
After falling behind 24-23, Fayetteville State went on an 8-0 run with 6:54 left in the first half, culminating in a bucket from Cannedy, to take a 31-24 lead and finish the first half with a 40-33 advantage. The Broncos capitalized on seven Augusta turnovers in the period, turning them into 11 points on the other end of the floor.
Following intermission, FSU kept widening that lead, expanding it to 73-60 before going on a 6-0 run, finished off by Myles Pierre’s jumper, to grow the lead to 79-60 with 1:10 to go in the contest. The Jaguars narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Broncos still cruised the rest of the way for the 79-62 win. Fayetteville State capitalized on seven Augusta turnovers in the period, collecting 10 points off those turnovers.
Fayetteville State shot 49.2% from the field, making 29 of their 59 attempts, while Augusta shot 46.4%, making 26 of their 56 attempts. From beyond the arc, FSU hit 6 of 16 three-pointers (37.5%), whereas Augusta struggled, making only 3 of 17 (17.6%). At the free-throw line, Fayetteville State was efficient, converting 15 of 18 attempts (83.3%), while Augusta made 7 of 12 (58.3%). Fayetteville State outrebounded Augusta 33 to 28, with 8 offensive and 25 defensive rebounds compared to Augusta’s 7 offensive and 21 defensive rebounds. Fayetteville State had 8 assists, 8 turnovers, 11 steals, and 2 blocks, while Augusta recorded 9 assists, 14 turnovers, 7 steals, and 5 blocks. Fayetteville State’s efficient shooting and strong defensive play were key factors in their victory. They capitalized on Augusta’s turnovers, scoring 21 points off turnovers compared to Augusta’s 11.
FSU will host USC Aiken on Tuesday, November 26 at 7 pm in the Capel Arena.