The Norfolk State Lady Spartans (1st Seed) cruise past the South Carolina State Lady Bulldogs (8th seed) 75-43. The Lady Spartans move on to the semifinals of the MEAC Women’s Basketball Tournament.

“Well, I could definitely tell this was our first 12 o’clock game all year.” Coach Vickers said. “We started a little sluggish but I felt like we really got it together started playing together as a team, moving the basketball well, and I felt like it has certain in the third quarter on both ends and we were pretty locked in. Those are probably the two most dominating periods. You know, obviously, you I know what I want it to look like out there , but, you know survive and advance and stay alive. We were able to do that today.”

Kierra Wheeler led the way with 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks.

The Lady Spartans came out fast in the first quarter, forcing 6 turnovers by the first media timeout.

“Well, I thought our press saved us offensively.” Coach Vickers said. “You know, we got a lot of easy buckets off the press our backline of the press did a good job of protecting. Danaijah Williams did a good job at the very beginning of the game. She has been here before. She understands what it takes to win at the top of our press.”

The Lady Bulldogs fought hard throughout the first half keeping the game close in key moments but the Lady Spartans ultimately pulled away. Kierra Wheeler starred in the first half finishing with 11 points, and 3 blocks. At halftime, the Spartans led 34-20.

The Lady Spartans started off with a strong defense, forcing a turnover on the Bulldogs. Similar to last quarter, the first 2 minutes were without scoring from either team.

Diamond Johnson broke the no-scoring streak with a layup followed by a foul, then soon after a steal from the Lady Bulldogs, making the score 39-20. SC State made the last shot of the quarter with 2 seconds, ending the quarter 55-28.

The Lady Bulldogs fought hard to start the 4th quarter. Lady Bulldogs Heaven Harper scored the first shots with 2 free throws, and the team went on a 7-2 run. The Spartans went on their own 8-2 run, spacing the score out for the rest of the game.

The Lady Spartans will be back in action Friday, March 15, 2024, at 12 pm to play in the semifinal game against the winner of Coppin State vs University of Maryland Eastern Shore being played on Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 12 pm.