Ings Changes the Vibe for Norfolk in the Quarterfinals of the MEAC Tourney

 

Norfolk State Christian Ings (0) celebrates a three-point shot. Ings went 4 of 6 on three-point attempts. Norfolk State defeated Coppin State 75-51 in the quarterfinals of the MEAC conference tournament at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, Virginia, on March 13, 2024. (Billy Schuerman / The Virginian-Pilot)

By Wole Akinso

(@Wole_USS)

Norfolk, VA – The one seed of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men’s basketball tournament, the Norfolk State Spartans, pull away from the eight seed Coppin State University, 75-51. 

Norfolk State fell behind Coppin 17-10 in the first half before going on a 11-0 run to regain the lead.  The Spartans were led by guard Christian Ings, who scored seven straight points within Norfolk State’s run. 

Within that sequence, Ings made a three-pointer and an “and one” three-pointer to tie the game at 17-17.  Spartans coach Robert Jones talks about how Ings turned around the game for his team. 

“He’s not necessarily one of our three-point shooters but he can make a three. Today he made four of them and we needed all of them, especially in the first half.”

Ings finished the game with 17 points, which includes going 4 of 6 from the three-point line.

MEAC most valuable player and Spartans’ guard Jamarii Thomas struggled in his first ever MEAC tournament game.  Thomas shot 14 percent from the field and only scored nine points.

“I think today he was pressing at some points throughout the game because I don’t think he’s shot one for seven all year and we’ve played, no disrespect to Coppin—they do what they do, we’ve played a lot of good opponents.  I don’t remember him shooting one for seven against anybody.  He’ll be better on Friday,” said coach Jones about Thomas.

Norfolk will play the winner between Morgan State and Howard University, Friday night at 6pm ET.  The winner of Friday night’s matchup will advance to the MEAC Finals.