Women's Basketball | 3/13/2025 2:16:28 PM

NORFOLK, VA – Tiffany Hammond scored a game-high 16 points, and Laila Lawrence recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds to lead fourth-seeded Coppin State to a 57-48 victory over fifth-seeded North Carolina Central University in the quarterfinal round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Women’s Basketball Tournament at The Norfolk Scope.

With the win, Coppin State (18-13) advances to Friday’s semifinal matchup against top-seeded Norfolk State at 12 noon.

The game was a tightly contested battle, with neither team able to establish control early on. NCCU held a narrow 12-10 lead after the first quarter and maintained a one-point advantage at halftime, 22-21. The game featured four lead changes and three ties, with both teams struggling offensively and committing numerous turnovers.

In the third quarter, Coppin State began to pull away, going on an 11-0 run sparked by Hammond, who scored eight points during the stretch. By the end of the period, Coppin State had built its largest lead of the game at 42-34.

North Carolina Central fought back in the fourth quarter on a 10-4 run, cutting the deficit to 46-44 with 3:22 remaining. Tierney Coleman provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight of her team's points during the comeback attempt. However, Coppin State’s defense, anchored by Lawrence, along with clutch free-throw shooting, secured the win. Lawrence, a First Team All-MEAC selection and MEAC Defensive Player of the Year, also contributed four steals and three blocks.

Hammond shot 5-of-10 from the field, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, marking a season-high performance. First Team All-MEAC selection Angel Jones added nine points, a career-high 10 rebounds, and a game-high five assists.

North Carolina Central was led by Tierney Coleman and Morgan Callahan who each contributed 11 points and eight respectively in the loss.

Coppin State, which was swept by Norfolk State in the regular season, has now recorded its highest win total since the 2011-12 season.

Coppin State head coach and Norfolk native Jermaine Woods, a former standout at Christopher Newport University, expressed his excitement about returning home for the semifinal matchup.

"It feels really good to be home," Woods said. "I appreciate everyone in this city when I return, and I never take the opportunity to be home for granted."

Coppin State continues its tournament run against a Norfolk State team that has been dominant throughout the season.

For more information visit MEACHoops.com.