Kierra Wheeler putting up a shot (Matthew Patterson/NSU Athletics.
The Lady Spartans basketball team defeated the Howard University Bison 69-53 at Joseph Echols Hall on January 25th. This win sets the tone for the rest of the Spartans’ conference season as they move closer to the MEAC Basketball Championship this March.
“I thought we did a good job defensively. Offensively I felt like we didn’t turn the basketball over,” said Lady Spartans’ Head Coach Larry Vickers, “There’s a difference between being aggressive and forcing stuff, but as soon as we found that balance, we were able to, one, continue to get stops, but also move the basketball.”
To open up the game, the Bison won the jump ball but were quickly met with a defensive stop by Spartan forward, Makoye Diawara.
The first bucket of the game was a jump shot secured by Bison guard, Saniyah King, followed by a floater by Spartan guard, Da’Brya Clark, which put the Spartan’s on the board alongside the Bison.
Throughout the first quarter, Spartan point guard, Diamond Johnson, was able to score back-to-back points with defensive steals and speedy jumpers, giving Norfolk State an early lead.
Carrying this same energy into the second quarter, Spartan guard, Anjanae Richardson, demonstrated good hustle and dedication after she went flying over the media table in efforts to recover a loose ball. Ultimately, it was this commitment that led the Spartans to this big conference win.
Having gone on a 16-point scoring streak, the Bison were able to close the point gap and completed the first half 26-24, sitting only two points behind the Spartans.
“Intensity and defense,” said Johnson about the key to the second half for her team. “I feel like we locked in, not letting the officials get in our heads, we just got turnt up and everything was rolling because we played team ball… it was really just the energy, and the crowd was amazing.”
Coming off of halftime, the Spartans made efforts to maintain their lead with a steal by Johnson, followed by a successful fast break. Rocketing off of this play, the Spartans continued to showcase teamwork with guard Niya Fields sending an assist down low to Wheeler, who then completed the play with a hook shot.
The momentum only continued to build for the Spartans as Wheeler stole the ball and got the fast break, leading the ball to reach the hands of Richardson for a good three-pointer.
Even with great defensive stops and blocks by Bison forward, Nile Miller, and guard, Destiny Howell, they could not keep up with the absolute force and power of the Lady Spartans who scored 25 points in just the fourth quarter alone. The Spartans secured the win, closing the game with a score of 69-53.
“I really just talk to my team about dominance at this point,” said Norfolk State’s Kierra Wheeler. “Come out there and own what we show on paper. I think my team taking pride on the floor is what leads to good plays… and them telling me don’t get frustrated encourages me.”
The Spartan leaders of the game were Diamond Johnson with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists; followed by Kierra Wheeler with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 assist. The Bison leaders of the game were Destiny Howell with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, who tied with Saniyah King for another 12 points, 2 rebounds, and 6 assists.
The Spartans’ next game will be against the South Carolina State Bulldogs on Saturday, February 1st in Joseph Echols Hall. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+ at 2:00 pm.
Spartan Echo 