The Norfolk State Spartans MBB (16-9, 6-2) beat The South Carolina State Bulldogs (9-16, 4-3) in overtime 71-67. Jaylani Darden hit the game-winning shot and he finished with 14 points, 3 rebs, 2 ast, and 2 steals.
“Another tough MEAC conference game.” Head Coach Robert Jones said. “We know it’s gonna be tough at the end of the day and were tied for first they were tied for second. So a battle of two of the better teams in the conference and we’re happy to be able to pull it out of overtime.”
The Spartans struggled offensively to begin the game. They missed three straight shots and two turnovers before they could get the lid off the basket. After their first basket, the Spartans went on a 14-2 run for 5 minutes and 39 seconds.
The Bulldogs came back with a 10-2 run for 2 minutes and 24 seconds, and a well-balanced matchup between the Spartans, and the Bulldogs was kicked off. The game finished with 10 lead changes and 7 ties.
At the beginning of the second half, the Bulldogs began with an 8-3 run for 3 minutes and 8 seconds. After many back-and-forth possessions, the Bulldogs grabbed their second lead of the game with 7 minutes and 54 seconds left in the game.
After a drought in scoring for both teams, Jamarii Thomas knocked down 2 free throws and drove in the lane for a tough finish to put the Spartans up by 2. Allen Betrand and Tyrese Jenkins both came down and hit clutch threes to give the Spartans a 4-point lead. After many back-and-forth possessions down the stretch, the Spartans were up 55-54 with 1 minutes and 20 seconds left.
Freshman Chris Fields rebounds a missed shot and hits a clutch and-one while his leg was being pulled to the ground, but with both teams in the double bonus, the Bulldogs knocked down 2 sets of free throws to send the game into overtime.
Entering overtime Jaylani Darden was sidelined due to cramps in his calf but with one minute left, he asked to check in after Tyrese Jenkins fouled out of the game. With the game tied and the Spartans with potentially the last possession, Jaylani Darden hits a runner from about 10 feet out from the left side of the basketball giving the Spartans the lead.
With 8 seconds left, and the Bulldogs with no timeouts, Bulldogs guard Micheal Teal streaks down the court and nails a 3 for SC State but a foul was called on Raquan Brown for setting an illegal screen, time runs out and the Spartans emerge victories
“I didn’t think it was gonna take them and honestly.” Coach Jones said. “That was like a runner from the corner which I’ve never seen him make or try to make even in practice. I don’t think he even attempts it too much. But at the same time, credit to Jaylani he was dealing with cramps and he asked to come in when I think Tyrese fouled out. So you know, credit to him and he stepped up and made a big play.”
The Spartans will be back at home Monday, February 19, 2024, at 9 pm playing the number 2 seed North Carolina Central Eagles on ESPN U, and WNSB Hot 91.
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