Norfolk State asserted its dominance from the opening tip, cruising to a 103-76 victory over Coppin State at Joseph G. Echols Hall. Anthony McComb III stole the show, pouring in 29 points and dishing out 6 assists to lead the Spartans to a resounding win. The predicted margin of 12.8 points, courtesy of CHD Scout, proved accurate in terms of the winner, but the actual margin of 27 points far exceeded expectations.
The Spartans set the tone early, racing out to a 49-36 halftime lead behind McComb's 15 first-half points. Coppin State's Demariontay Hall tried to keep his team afloat, scoring 10 points in the first half, but Norfolk State's balanced attack proved too much to handle. The Spartans' Devon Ellis and Elijah Jamison chipped in with 18 and 17 points, respectively, as the team shot an impressive 54 points in the second half to put the game out of reach.
Hall finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds for Coppin State, while teammates Hussain Williams and Hassan Perkins added 16 and 12 points, respectively. However, the Eagles' efforts were ultimately overshadowed by Norfolk State's relentless offense, which saw four players reach double figures.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
The win marked a convincing performance for Norfolk State, which had been predicted to win by a narrower margin. Instead, the Spartans' 27-point victory served as a statement, showcasing their ability to dominate inferior opponents. McComb's standout performance will undoubtedly be a key talking point, as the guard continues to make a strong case for himself as one of the top players in the conference.
As the season wears on, games like this matters in shaping the tournament landscape. For Norfolk State, this win, although a Quadrant 4 victory, helps to bolster their resume, even if only marginally. The Spartans' current net ranking of 304 still leaves them on the outside looking in, but a strong finish to the season could change that narrative. On the other hand, Coppin State's loss, also a Quadrant 4 game, does little to enhance their already slim tournament hopes, with their net ranking of 364 making a postseason berth highly unlikely.
Ultimately, this result will be seen as a routine win for Norfolk State, but one that reinforces their position as a formidable force in their conference. As the Spartans look to build momentum, they must continue to perform at this level, particularly against tougher opponents. For now, though, they can take pride in a dominant performance, led by the outstanding play of Anthony McComb III.