Spartans Get Hot as Norfolk State Downs NCCU

NORFOLK, VA — The Norfolk State University Spartans (20-6, 11-2 MEAC) defeated the North Carolina Central University Eagles in a convincing win, 75-46. The Spartans remain undefeated at home (10-0) and atop the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference Basketball standings.

This game was nothing like the first matchup that kept us on the edges of our seats for the entire game.

The Spartans took over the game early, jumping to a double-digit with 13:08 left in the first half. NCCU’s defensive struggles continued throughout the first half, resulting in a 32-point deficit at halftime. The Spartans went into the locker room with a comfortable 17-42 lead.

The Spartans did not let up in the second half, maintaining its double-digit lead. NCCU had no answer for the Spartans’ onslaught and efficiency all night, giving up 53.7% from the floor.

The Spartans pulled in the blowout win, 46-75, without the heroics of its leading scorer Joe Bryant Jr. Bryant had a game-high 7 assists.

Leading the way for the Spartans was senior forward Kris Bankston with 21 points, who also played a huge role down low with 11 boards. Junior forward Dana Tate was the team’s second-leading scorer with 18 points.

NCCU (14-14, 7-5 MEAC) was held to just 17 points in the first half, and NSU shot an impressive 63.3 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes. The Eagles were able to pick up the pace and outscore the Spartans in the second half but were unable to overcome the early deficit.

Eric Boone (Lexington, Ky.) led the Eagles in scoring for the second consecutive game with 18 points and six rebounds, and Cameron Butler (Chicago, Ill.) pulled down a team-best seven boards. Marque Maultsby (Raleigh, N.C.) contributed eight points and five rebounds for the Eagles.

NCCU will look to bounce back strong for their senior night when the Eagles host the South Carolina State University Bulldogs on Thursday, March 3rd at 7 pm, who is on a two-game losing skid.