Sluggish Start but Same Result for Norfolk against South Carolina State in the MEAC Tourney

 

Norfolk State guard (3) Diamond Johnson driving to the basket for a fastbreak layup during the MEAC Women's Basketball Tournament.  Photo Credit:  Norfolk State University

By Wole Akinso

(@Wole_USS)

Norfolk, VA— To start day one of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) women’s basketball tournament, the Norfolk State Spartans dominated the South Carolina State Bulldogs, 75-43. 

The Spartans started the game sluggish, taking a 34-20 lead into halftime.  In the two prior matchups against the Bulldogs, the Spartans’ average margin of victory was 62 points.  Norfolk State head coach Larry Vickers talked about the team’s slow start.

“We started a little sluggish, but I felt that we eventually got it together; started banding together as a team.”

The Spartans’ press gave the Bulldogs issues all game long which resulted in majority of the Bulldogs 31 turnovers.  Their press was the cure to their lackadaisical start.

“I think our press saved us offensively today.  We had a lot of easy buckets off the press,” said coach Vickers.

The overall one seed was led by last year’s MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Performer Kierra Wheeler.  Wheeler tied for game-high in points with 19 points.  After the game, the reigning tournament most outstanding performer stated that she had “the same focus from last year.”

MEAC player of the year Diamond Johnson did damage as well, scoring 19 points.  Johnson, the North Carolina State transfer, was excited to participate in her first MEAC tournament.

“It was nice to see that there were a lot of people there today.  I just liked the environment,” said Johnson.

Spartan stars Johnson and Wheeler combined for 38 points in the victory. The Spartans will play the winner between the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Fighting Hawks and Coppin State Eagles, Friday at noon.