Women's Basketball | 3/14/2025 2:53:11 PM
NORFOLK, VA – Kierra Wheeler scored a game-high 22 points, and Diamond Johnson added 17 as Norfolk State defeated Coppin State 72-33 in the semifinal round of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) women’s basketball tournament at the Norfolk Scope Arena.
The top-seeded Spartans (29-4) extended their winning streak to 18 games and will face the winner of the Howard vs. Maryland Eastern Shore matchup on Saturday at 4 p.m. for the championship title.
Norfolk State set the tone early, jumping out to a 14-7 lead at the end of the first quarter and stretching it to a commanding 29-13 advantage by halftime. The Eagles shot just 23 percent (14-of-61) from the field, including 1-of-20 from three-point range.
“This was probably our most complete game of the season on the defensive side,” said Spartans head coach Larry Vickers, the MEAC Coach of the Year. “All the things we wanted to do, we were able to. That’s the advantage of playing a team three times. Each time, we were able to tweak some things defensively, and today, we took away what worked for them in the regular season.”
Vickers also emphasized the importance of staying focused despite their dominant run. “We haven’t lost since Christmas break. When you win so many games in a row, you sometimes lose appreciation for it. We don’t want to take these moments for granted.”
Wheeler, a First-Team All-MEAC selection, delivered an efficient performance, shooting 9-of-13 from the field while adding nine rebounds and three assists. The senior forward, known for her dominance in the paint, also showcased her expanded skillset by knocking down a rare three-pointer.
“In the offseason, I spent a lot of time working on increasing my range,” Wheeler said. “Teams usually play me in the post, so stepping outside and hitting shots gives them something else to think about.”
Johnson, the MEAC Player of the Year, put together another well-rounded performance, shooting 8-of-16 while grabbing eight rebounds and playing a key role in disrupting Coppin State’s offense.
“This has been our goal to reach the championship each year,” Johnson said. “We talked about it from the beginning of the season. We’ve done it two times in a row, and now it’s just about building that legacy.”
The Spartans also received a strong contribution from Da’Brya Clark, a former starter who has embraced her role off the bench. Clark scored 14 points, including four three-pointers, adding crucial depth to NSU’s offensive attack.
“Da’Brya is valuable to the success of this team,” Johnson said of her teammate. “Her contributions give us balance, whether as a scorer or a tough defender. It’s one of the keys to our success.”
Coppin State, the No. 4 seed, was led by Laila Lawrence, who recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Lawrence, a First-Team All-MEAC selection and the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year, was one of the few bright spots for the Eagles in an otherwise challenging game.
With a championship on the line, Norfolk State looks to continue its dominant run and secure the three-peat on Saturday.
For more information visit MEACHoops.com.