The Lady Spartans (#1) advance to the championships after getting a win against the Coppin State Eagles (#4) 73-44 on March 15, 2024 at Norfolk Scope Arena.
Today’s win was by 29 points, which was the second highest victory in Coach Vickers Women’s MEAC Tournament history. Diamond Johnson’s 30-point game were the most points scored in Spartan’s history in the MEAC Women’s Tournament.
“I think the intensity you saw from our basketball team was a sign of respect for Coppin State,” said Coach Vickers. “We came out in here super focused today, we did a good job with our adjustments and our finishers made plays and finished.”
The Eagles started the quarter with a layup, but the Spartans took over by going on a 16-2 run.
Spartan forward, Kierra Wheeler, had a killer block which led to an Eagles’ shot clock violation, one of many in this quarter.
The Spartans had a fast break from a turnover with a steal by guard, Niya Fields, followed by a layup from Wheeler. Creating a 13-point lead, the Spartans took over the first quarter 22-9.
Johnson started the second quarter with a bucket, but the Eagles fired back with their own 3-pointer.
With excellent execution of plays, the Spartans made 19 points in the second quarter and ended the half 41-18.
“I just want to get that same feeling that I had last year,” said Wheeler. “I want to have my freshman know exactly what I felt last year and Diamond too, so I’m excited to see what happens tomorrow.”
Diamond Johnson led her team in scoring with 19 points in the first half. The Eagles only made 9 points in each quarter.
“It’s just a contribute to how hard my players work on a daily basis. It’s a contribute to my coaches,” said Vickers.
The Spartans started the third quarter with a jumper from Johnson followed by a driving layup from guard Crystal White.
Running a 3-2 zone on defense, the Lady Spartans locked up the Eagles and forced multiple turnovers.
The two teams went back and forth putting up shots, but the Spartans kept the momentum and ended the quarter 62-32.
No one scored within the first 2 minutes of the fourth quarter, but the Eagles ended the no-scoring streak with three free throws and went on a 6-0 run soon after.
The Spartans had multiple fouls this quarter, but finished strong and ended the game 73-44.
“It’s been a long time since a team has been back-to-back in our league,” said Vickers. “Everybody is locked in, dialed in, and this is the goal… to win tomorrow.”
Diamond Johnson had 30 points, 11 rebounds, and reached her career high of six 3-pointers in a game. Kierra Wheeler had 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists.
“My team really gives me the energy,” said Johnson. “On the bench, they be like ‘Dime Time’ so it feels good for them to cheer me on and I just do what I need to do for my team.”
Eagles guard, Niyah Gaston, had 12 points and guard Mossi Staples had 9 rebounds.
The Lady Spartans will play in the 2024 MEAC Championship game against the winner of Howard (#2) vs NC Central (#3) on March 16, 2024 at 2 p.m.
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