Courtesy of Brian Howard, Asst. AD/Communications
NORFOLK, Va. | The Norfolk State University women’s basketball team will look to get back into the win column after suffering its first home loss of the season as the Spartans visit Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday, before concluding the weekend against Delaware State on Monday at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall.
Norfolk State remained in second place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) despite the loss on Monday to North Carolina Central. The loss snapped a 17-game home winning streak, dating back to last season, with the last home defeat coming on November 27, 2021 to Air Force.
The Spartans (17-5 overall, 5-2 MEAC) will look to rebound after the loss to NCCU where NSU shot 28.4 percent from the floor and 11.5 percent from behind the 3-point line.
Norfolk State is 30-17 all-time against Maryland Eastern Shore and seeking the season sweep of the Hawks after the Spartans opened conference play with a 43-34 victory at home on January 7. NSU is 27-24 all-time against Delaware State and is also looking for the season sweep of the Hornets as the Spartans picked up a 40-26 victory in Dover, Del. on January 9.
Tip-Off Times
- Saturday: at Maryland Eastern Shore – 2 p.m.
- Monday: vs. Delaware State – 5:30 p.m.
Monday Night’s Game Promotions
- Monday’s game at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall will be Military Appreciation Day
Last Time Out – Norfolk State
The Spartans trailed by as many as nine points three times through two-plus quarters, but used an 18-3 run in the third period, taking a 43-40 lead into the final quarter.
However, NSU could not stop Kimeira Burks and her seven 3-pointers as NCCU rallied to pick up the 73-68 overtime win on Monday.
Norfolk State went 3-of-26 from 3-point land and were 19-of-35 (54.3 percent) from the foul line. Meanwhile, NCCU had four chances to win the game in regulation as Tippy Robertson and Jerni Kiaku missed free throws, but the Eagles pulled away in the extra frame.
Camille Downs scored 20 of her team-high 21 points in the second half, while Kierra Wheeler posted a double-double of 12 rebounds and 11 points.
The Spartans are averaging 61.3 points and shooting 38 percent from the floor.
Deja Francis leads three players in double figures at 11.7 points. Downs and Wheeler are scoring 11.2 and 10.2 points, respectively.
National Rankings – Norfolk State
- The Spartans rank second in the country in field goal percentage defense and scoring defense
- NSU is sixth in the NCAA in three-point percentage defense and eighth in turnovers forced per game
- Norfolk State ranks 10th nationally in steals per game
- Downs is seventh in steals and eighth in steals per game nationally
Scouting the Hawks
Maryland Eastern Shore (5-14, 1-5) is riding a two-game losing streak and has dropped five out of its last six games.
The Hawks, who are 2-10 on the road this season and 3-5 at the Hytche Athletic Center, will look to avoid the season sweep to Norfolk State.
Maryland Eastern Shore hasn’t played a game since January 30 – a 76-65 loss at Morgan State.
Against the Bears, UMES shot 40.4 percent from the floor and 78.1 percent from the foul line, but were just 2-of-9 (22.2 percent) from behind the 3-point line. In addition, the Hawks turned the ball over 23 times, resulting in 24 Morgan State points.
Ariana Seawall led Maryland Eastern Shore with 20 points, on 6-of-12 shooting and 8-of-8 from the charity stripe, along with seven rebounds. Jála Bannerman finished with 18 points and three assists.
The Hawks are averaging 63.3 points and are shooting 38.1 percent from the field.
Brooklyn Bailey paces the offense, averaging 8.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Amanda Carney is second on the team in scoring at 8.1 points and 3.9 boards per game.
Scouting the Hornets
Delaware State (4-14, 2-5) comes into the weekend having dropped its last two games and three out of its last four games, with the lone win during that stretch coming against South Carolina State on January 23.
The Hornets will host Howard on Saturday before making the trip to Norfolk State on Monday.
In a 64-63 loss on Monday at Coppin State, Delaware State trailed 35-34 at the half and entered the final period tied at 46.
Savannah Brooks and Alexis Moragne each poured in 14 points in the heartbreaking loss to the Eagles. DSU shot 44.2 percent from the floor and 64.7 percent from the foul line.
The Hornets are averaging 49.8 points and shooting 35.0 percent from the floor.
Brooks leads Delaware State’s offense at 9.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Moragne is averaging 8.9 points, 2.6 boards and 1.6 assists.
National Rankings – Delaware State
- The Hornets rank tops in the country in fouls per game
After Monday’s home game against Delaware State, Norfolk State will conclude its home campaign with back-to-back games on February 18 and 20 against Morgan State and Coppin State, respectively.
For complete coverage of Norfolk State athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @NSUSpartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
