NSU Overcomes Slow Start in 60-43 Win over Chowan

NORFOLK, Va. - A slow start for the Norfolk State teamed into a double-digit victory as the Spartans defeated Chowan, 60-43, Wednesday night in NSU's home opener at Joseph Echols Hall.

Both teams left plenty of points on the floor, as NSU shot just 30.2 percent for the game, still an improvement over Chowan's 20.3 percent clip. Despite holding a six-point lead at the half, the Spartans eventually moved to 2-0 on the year, while Chowan fell to 1-2. The teams combined for 59 free throws and just two baskets in the last 10 minutes of the game.

Senior Whitney Long tallied 19 points on 9-of-15 shooting, while sophomore Rachel Gordon added seven points and a game-high 13 rebounds. Long scored nine of the team's 19 baskets. NSU also held a 61-43 edge in rebounds, the most boards in a game since the Spartans grabbed 65 against Howard on Feb. 4, 2008.

Junior Marian Brooks added 12 boards, while sophomore Rae Corbo was the team's second-leading scorer with eight points. Long had a team-high three steals, while junior Recca Trice handed out five assists.

Chowan was led by the duo of Talaya Lynch and Janelle Murphy with 14 and 12 points, respectively, and Lynch also led the team in rebounds with seven. No other player had more than four points for the Hawks.

NSU hit 19-of-63 from the floor for the game, while Chowan sank 12-of-59, including a 4-of-17 mark from beyond the arc. The Spartans made just one of their five attempts from 3-point land. NSU also made 21-of-33 from the free throw line (63.6 percent), compared to 15-of-26 for the Hawks (57.7 percent).

For the complete story, visit www.nsuspartans.com

Coppin State Defeats UMBC, 68-60

BALTIMORE -- Senior Jeanine Manley scored 14 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Shawntae Payne added 13 points and six steals leading Coppin State to a 68-60 victory over UMBC on Wednesday in the Physical Education Complex.

Coppin State recorded its first victory of the season on the strength of a big first half and a sizeable rebounding advantage.

The Eagles shot 43.3 percent from the floor in the first half and forced UMBC into 21 turnovers on their way to a 33-14 lead at the intermission.

Coppin State then had to survive a furious second-half comeback by UMBC to improve to 1-1 on the season.

Jaleah Holsey, who scored 10 points, converted a layup to open the second half giving the Eagles a 35-14 lead, which marked their largest of the game.

For the complete story, visit www.coppinstatesports.com