NORFOLK, Va., March 6, 2017 – A swarming defense by the fifth-seeded Norfolk State Spartans spearheaded a 25-2 third quarter as they defeated 12th-seeded Delaware State, 60-40, in the first round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament on Monday afternoon.
Norfolk State (14-14) now advances to face fourth-seeded Florida A&M on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the quarterfinal round at the Norfolk Scope.
Neither team got off to a strong start, as Norfolk State was 5-for-20 from the floor (25 percent) and held Delaware State to 1-of-13 from the floor (7.7 percent). The Hornets stayed in game in the second quarter, on the heels of hitting 8-of-14 from the field (57.1 percent), and trimmed the deficit to 30-24 at the half.
The Spartans erupted in the third quarter, scoring the first six points before a Delaware State bucket with 8:26 left in the quarter. Norfolk State scored the next 19 points to close the quarter, holding Delaware State to 1-of-12 from the field (8.3 percent).
Kiara Phillips topped Norfolk State with 16 points to lead three in double figures. Gabrielle Swinson had a double-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and five assists, while Khalila Ali added 10 points.
NaJai Pollard was the leading scorer in the game for Delaware State with a double-double of 18 points and 11 boards to go with three steals.
For more information on the 2017 MEAC Tournament, visit
www.meachoops.com.