Spartans (#1) fell to the Howard Bison (#4) 74-80 in the semifinals of the 2024 Men’s MEAC Tournament. The last time the Spartans were eliminated early in the tournament was in 2018 in the quarterfinals against North Carolina A&T.
“We did a lot of good things for Norfolk State University and HBCU Basketball,” said Head Coach Jones. “Unfortunately, today we didn’t get the stops when we needed to get the stops.”
The game started off with four free throws from the Bison, followed by 2 free throws from Spartan guard, Christian Ings.
Spartan forward, Kulel Mading, helped the team take the lead with two back-to-back blocks and a free throw. The Bison fought back and took the lead soon after with a 3-pointer.
The teams took turns leading the half, until the Spartans went on a 6-0. The Spartan’s defense caused the Bison to have two straight shot clock violations.
In response to a failed dunk by the Bison, Spartan forward, Tyrel Bladen, got his own dunk which helped his team take the half 37-31.
“We had a lot of highs this season,” said Jones. “Some of the wins we’ve had really put a spotlight on what HBCU basketball players can do and what Norfolk State University can do when given the opportunity.”
Bladen started the 2nd half off with a layup but soon after, guard Jamarii Thomas received a technical foul.
As the half continued, Bison forward, Seth Towns, received his 5th foul and was taken out of the game. From multiple 3-point jumpers and free throws, the Bison took the lead again.
Battling for the lead, as well as the game, the teams tied multiple times within the last 8 minutes.
Spartan forward, Chris Fields Jr., lost a shoe during the last 5 minutes, but still stayed aggressive on defense.
The momentum of the game was on the Bison’s side as they made three 3-pointers back-to-back, taking the game 80-74.
Jamari Thomas had 14 points and 4 assists. Allen Betrand had 16 points and 4 rebounds. Bison guard, Marcus Dockery, had 19 points and Towns had 9 rebounds.
“I want to keep playing,” said Bertrand. “I just want to keep playing…I don’t want my college career to end.”
The Spartan’s basketball season isn’t over just yet. They were invited to play at the post-season College Insider Tournament (CIT). The schedule and bracket for the tournament will be announced on Sunday, March 17.
“Our NCAA hopes are over for this year, but our season is not over, so we can honestly still leave the season with a win,” said Jones.
Spartan Echo 