The Norfolk State Spartans (1 seed) blew out the Coppin State Eagles (8 seed) 75-51. Christian Ings led the way with 17 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals.

“Once again, march is survive and advanced we have until the dance.” Coach Jones said. “It was a game that I would say im not overly the happiest about. I have high expectations for the team this week and I think that we played a pretty good second half of basketball but I guess maybe it was a little of nervousness. You know, honestly, I know how It goes. This is the tournament so first game is always the hardest because every everybody’s nervous everybody has jitters and of course wasn’t number one. So there’s a lot of potential pressure on us.”

The Spartans started with a 7-0 lead but the Eagles came back on fire. They went on a 15-2 run putting the Spartans in an uncomfortable position they are way too familiar with.

“Play some d*** defense.” Coach Jones on what he told his team after giving up the big run.

Coach Jones words motivated the Spartans and put them on a 9-2 run. Christian Ings led the run with 2 three-pointers and one which he was fouled on and he made the free throw. Putting the Spartans in the driver seat at halftime 31-25.

The Spartans came out of halftime hot with a 10-2 run led by Jack Doumbia. He finished with 14 points, 2 steals, and 1 amazing block that took place on that run.

“Well, Jack has a mismatched nightmare, you know, when he plays under control.” Coach Jones said. “Honestly Jack is too strong for like a guard and he’s kind of too quick for a forward. So he’s like right in between that, and he is 6’5 he can do a lot of different things, and tonight he showed it. He was able to beat those guys with the dribble get fouled and go to the free throw line and make his free throws so it’s great to see Jack have a good showing. I mean honestly doing this without Jamarii having a good game, so that’s pretty encouraging. Honestly, it’s pretty encouraged that we get a 24 point win with the MEAC player of the year going 1-7.”

Jamarii Thomas struggled today only scoring 9 points with 4 fouls, but Coach Jones believes it to be his nervous and thinks he will settle in on Friday.

The Spartans were able to outscore the Eagles 44-26 in the 2nd half and come out on top 75-51. The Spartans will be back in action Friday, March 15th at 6 pm against the winner of the Howard vs Morgan State matchup on Thursday, March 14 2023 at 6 pm.