Norfolk State Drops NCCU, Advances to Second Round

NORFOLK, VA — The Norfolk State Spartans defeated the North Carolina Central Eagles to advance to the second round of the Women’s MEAC tournament 58-52.

This loss marked NCCU’s 20th this season, placing them second-to-last in the conference’s standings. 

The Eagles were abysmal in the first half, shooting 10% from the 3-point line, and they lost the turnover battle 13-4. In the second quarter, NCCU only scored 4 points. 

The second-seeded Spartans, who are the MEAC regular-season co-champions with Howard and Morgan State, never trailed in the contest. Norfolk State (16-10 Overall) is advancing to the MEAC semifinals for a fourth consecutive season.

The Spartans capitalized on NC Central’s mistakes, scoring 10 points off turnovers. 

The number 2 seed out-rebound NC Central 44-34, and their biggest lead of the game was 18. 

Diamond Thomas, NCCU’s leading scorer and MEAC Rookie of the Year, didn’t perform up to her standards. She averaged 14.3 PPG, shooting 34.2% from the floor. Thomas only tallied 11 points, shooting 4/15 from the floor and 1/8 from the 3-point line. 

Sophomore guard Paris McBride led NCCU with 12 points off the bench. She was a pest on defense, as well, with 4 steals. 

Senior forward Ashlyn Lockard led the maroon and gray with eight rebounds while chipping in four points.

The Spartans had three players in double-figures, with sophomore forward Mahoganie Williams leading the way with 12. Freshman guard Crystal White had 11 points off the bench, and junior guard Deja Francis chipped in with 10 points. 

The Spartans will be back in action Friday at 2:00 pm EST against the winner of Thursday’s Morgan State Bears vs. South Carolina State Bulldogs game.