Box Score | MEACHoops.com


NORFOLK, Va., March 10, 2023 – Norfolk State jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and then parlayed a strong defensive effort to defeat North Carolina Central 81-59 in the semifinal round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Basketball Tournament at the Scope Arena on Friday.
 
The Spartans (25-6) advance to Saturday’s championship final against the winner of the Howard-Maryland Eastern Shore game on Saturday at approximately 4 p.m. The game will air live on ESPN+ and re-air on ESPNU on Sunday at 8:30 a.m.
 
Top-seeded Norfolk State set the tone early, bolting out to a 20-9 first-quarter advantage and controlling the pace by increasing the lead to 39-22 at intermission.
 
The Eagles (15-16), the No. 4 seed, had problems getting good looks at the basket and were forced to take several long-range shots, often times with the shot clock winding down. The Spartans, who have relied all season on their defensive prowess and strong rebounding, continued to maintain their comfortable lead.
 
"We came out ready to play," Norfolk State head coach Larry Vickers, the MEAC Coach of the Year, said. "We were flying around on defense and it helped us to be very productive in our transition game."
 
NCCU fought and clawed its way back to get withing 10 on five different occasions in the second half. But each time, the determined Spartans, who lost last years' title to Howard, had an answer and would extend the lead back to 15.
 
"After losing in the finals last season, we were determined to get back," Vickers said. "Of course, this is a different group, but you could see from the tip that they were not to be denied."
 
"We had a game plan and we stuck with it,” NCCU associate head coach Fred Applin said. "The team picked up its defensive intensity and the offense stayed the course. I am proud of the way that they played under the circumstances.”
 
Norfolk State placed five players in double figures, led by Kierra Wheeler with a double-double of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Camille Downs, the MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, recorded 15 points and seven boards. Danaijah Williams came off the bench to score 14,
 
The Eagles were led reserve Kanla Carter and Tippy Robertson with 12 and 10, respectively.