Coppin State Pulls Away Late to Eliminate NCCU in MEAC Quarterfinals

NORFOLK, VA – North Carolina Central University (NCCU) fought until the final minutes, but fourth-seeded Coppin State used a dominant second half to claim a 57-48 victory in the MEAC Women’s Basketball Tournament quarterfinals at The Norfolk Scope.

A Tight Battle Until the Third Quarter

The game was a gritty, back-and-forth contest, with neither team gaining clear control early. After the first quarter, NCCU held a 12-10 lead and maintained a slim 22-21 edge at halftime.

The turning point came in the third quarter when Coppin State erupted for an 11-0 run, fueled by Tiffany Hammond, who scored eight points during the surge. By the end of the period, Coppin State built its largest lead of the game at 42-34.

NCCU’s Fourth-Quarter Fight Falls Short

NCCU rallied in the final frame, cutting the deficit to 46-44 with 3:22 remaining after a 10-4 scoring run. Tierney Coleman led the charge off the bench, scoring eight of NCCU’s fourth-quarter points.

However, Coppin State’s defense held firm, led by MEAC Defensive Player of the Year Laila Lawrence, who finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Clutch free throws in the closing minutes helped Coppin State secure the win.

Standout Performances

• Tiffany Hammond (CSU) – Game-high 16 points, including four three-pointers
• Laila Lawrence (CSU) – Double-double (15 pts, 13 rebs), four steals, three blocks
• Angel Jones (CSU) – Nine points, 10 rebounds, five assists
• Tierney Coleman (NCCU) – 11 points, key fourth-quarter push
• Morgan Callahan (NCCU) – Eight points in the loss

What’s Next?

With the victory in the quarterfinals, Coppin State (18-13) advances to face top-seeded Norfolk State in the semifinals on Friday at noon. Head coach Jermaine Woods, a Norfolk native, expressed excitement about returning home for the matchup.

“It feels really good to be home,” Woods said. “I appreciate everyone in this city when I return, and I never take the opportunity to be home for granted.”

For more information, visit MEACHoops.com.

Photo: MEAC