It was the latest edition of the oldest HBCU basketball tournament, and it was yet another entertaining gathering of fans to take part in what has become a generational event.
The CIAA was founded in 1912 and held its first basketball tournament in 1946. During that period, the tournament has been played in a number of cities including Richmond, Charlotte, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, and most recently in Baltimore, beginning in 2022.
It is a social, cultural, educational get-together for HBCU alums from all ages and walks of life. While the numbers are not yet in for attendance and revenue, it is expected to be a significant increase over last year.
This year’s games were played at the CFRG Bank Arena, and it did not disappoint.
Fayetteville State Defeats Elizabeth City State in Women’s CIAA Championship
When it was all said and done, the Fayetteville State University women’s team continued its dominance, defeating Elizabeth City State University, 64-59 for its fifth championship since 2020.
The number-one seed and nationally ranked Fayetteville Broncos (26-2) used the formula that it has used all season all season, combining its stout defense with the individual talent of Tournament MVP Aniyah Bryant (12 points) and a strong supporting cast that includes Keyanna McLaughlin (game-high 17 points), and sophomores Talia Trotter and Nyah Wilkins, who each chipped in with 12 points.
Elizabeth City State (20-11) was led by Alanis Hill (16), Rashauna Grant (13 rebounds) and NyAsia Biango and Rasheka Simmons, each with 12.
The Broncos now await the seedlings of the NCAA Division 2 tournament to be announced this week.
Lincoln University Beats Fayetteville State in Men’s CIAA Championship
On the men’s side, it was Lincoln University (17-13) outlasting Fayetteville State, 57-54 in a slugfest.
It was a combination of defense and just enough offensive firepower from Ethan Garita (15 points, five rebounds) and Bakir Cleveland (13 points) and some strong rebounding from Kabel Coleman (12 rebounds). The Lions held Fayetteville State to 30% shooting (17 of 56).
The Broncos got a game-high 21 points from Caleb Sims and 10 from Tairell Fletcher.