By Devin McCullough
UNC Pembroke defeated Fayetteville State 84-75 on Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court to earn their first victory of the year. The Braves, at 1-2, repelled a late surge from the Broncos, who also dropped to 1-2 on the year, with a strong first half and effective shooting.
Javonte Waverly ignited with a fast-break dunk to start the game with a powerful message. Midway through the half, UNC Pembroke took the lead after the Broncos momentarily knotted the game at 5-5. Tyrese Melo-Garcia and Tahj Johnson made crucial buckets, while Waverly’s three-pointer started a run. Despite a last-second triple by Ezekiel Cannedy of Fayetteville State, Dallas Whitney added firepower with two threes, helping the Braves establish a commanding 43-24 halftime advantage.
The Broncos attempted to climb back into the contest in the second half, trimming the deficit to 51-38 behind a jumper from Larry Howell. However, the Braves hot shooting—57.1 percent in the period—kept them comfortably in front. Moe Bangura knocked down four free throws to push the margin to 73-53 with just over five minutes remaining. Fayetteville State responded with a 9-0 run to cut the gap to 74-62, but UNC Pembroke held strong to secure the victory.
Waverly led all scorers with 23 points from an effective 9-for-12 showing. He also pulled down four rebounds. Driven by an 11-for-14 performance at the free throw line, Bangura scored a career-high 18 points and added five rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal. With 11 points, four defensive rebounds, three assists, and one block, Whitney had a significant impact off the bench.
The Braves ended at 56.3 percent from the field compared to the Broncos 40.4 percent, demonstrating how important UNC Pembroke’s shooting touch was. With 24 fast-break points and a 34-26 lead in the paint, the hosts also dominated in transition.
The Braves play Young Harris at home on Saturday to start conference play, they hope to build on their first victory. The tipoff at Lumbee Guaranty Bank Court is set for 4 p.m.