The top seeds continued to assert themselves Thursday at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Women’s Basketball Tournament as Norfolk State Spartans women’s basketball delivered a dominant defensive performance in a 69–43 victory over Morgan State Bears women’s basketball to punch their ticket to the semifinals.
The Lady Spartans smothered the Bears defensively, holding them to just 21 percent shooting (11-for-53) from the field and 1-for-13 from three-point range.
Norfolk State also controlled the paint, outscoring Morgan State 42–10 inside, while forcing 22 turnovers that were converted into 28 points.
Four Spartans scored in double figures, led by Anjanae Richardson with 18 points and eight rebounds. Da’Brya Clark added 13 points, while Jasha Clinton finished with 12 points and seven assists. Leaire Nicks chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds.
For Morgan State, Ja’la Bannerman led the way with 14 points, the only Bear to reach double figures.
Norfolk State’s Defense Sets the Tone
Norfolk State’s defense established control early and never relented.
After Morgan State briefly grabbed a 2–0 lead on free throws from Jael Butler, the Spartans quickly seized momentum behind back-to-back three-pointers from Clark.
Norfolk State closed the opening quarter on an 11–3 run to take an 18–9 lead, a cushion that only grew as the game progressed.
Spartans Pull Away Before Halftime
The Lady Spartans pushed their lead into double digits midway through the second quarter when Nicks knocked down a jumper to make it 23–13.
Morgan State trimmed the deficit to seven following a jumper from Kailyn Nash, but Norfolk State again finished the period strong, closing the half on an 11–4 run to take a 35–21 halftime advantage.
Fourth Quarter Run Puts Game Away
Morgan State briefly cut the deficit to 48–35 entering the fourth quarter, but Norfolk State quickly extinguished any comeback hopes.
The Spartans opened the final period with a 15–1 run over a 5:15 stretch, stretching their lead to 62–36 and effectively putting the contest out of reach.
Norfolk State’s lead ballooned to 31 points before settling at the final margin of 69–43.
Next Up
With the win, Norfolk State advances to face No. 2 seed Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks women’s basketball in the MEAC semifinals Friday at noon EST.
