The Norfolk State Spartans secured a 75-58 win over the Delaware State Hornets, with Anthony McComb III scoring 19 points and grabbing 5 rebounds. Norfolk State outscored Delaware State 39-26 in the first half, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Spartans' 17-point margin of victory exceeded the predicted margin of 11.1 points by the CHD Scout model. Delaware State's Dean Shepherd led his team with 16 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the strong performance by Norfolk State.
Anthony McComb III Scores 19 Points, Marks 5th Time This Season Scoring 15+ Points
The game got off to a strong start for the Norfolk State Spartans, who scored 39 points in the first half while holding the Delaware State Hornets to just 26. The Spartans' Devon Ellis added 17 points and 6 rebounds, while Elijah Jamison contributed 12 points and 5 rebounds. Delaware State struggled to find its rhythm, shooting just 32% from the field in the first half. The Hornets improved slightly in the second half, scoring 32 points, but Norfolk State matched them with 36 points of their own. The Spartans' 75 total points marked a strong offensive performance, with 45% shooting from the field. Delaware State, on the other hand, finished with a 58-point total, shooting just 38% from the field.
Anthony McComb III and Dean Shepherd were the top performers for their respective teams. McComb III's 19 points and 5 rebounds led the way for Norfolk State, while Shepherd's 16 points were the high mark for Delaware State. Ellis and Jamison also had strong games for the Spartans, with 17 and 12 points, respectively. For Delaware State, Rahmir Moore and John Clemmons added 8 and 7 points, respectively, but the team's overall offense struggled to keep pace with Norfolk State. The Spartans' balanced attack, with three players scoring in double figures, proved too much for the Hornets to handle.
CHD Scout Report Card
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Final
The Norfolk State Spartans outshot the Delaware State Hornets 45% to 38% from the field, and outrebounded them 37-29. The Spartans also committed just 12 turnovers, while Delaware State had 15. Norfolk State's 75 points marked a season high against Delaware State, and their 17-point margin of victory was one of their largest of the season. The Spartans' 39 points in the first half were also a key factor, as they built a 13-point lead that Delaware State was unable to overcome. Delaware State's 58 points, on the other hand, marked a season low against Norfolk State.
The CHD Scout model predicted a Norfolk State victory by 11.1 points, with a final score of 73-61. The actual margin of victory was 17 points, with Norfolk State winning 75-58. The model was correct in predicting a Norfolk State win, but underestimated the Spartans' margin of victory. The model's predicted score was close, but the actual game played out with Norfolk State performing even stronger than expected. The Spartans' 75 points exceeded the predicted total, while Delaware State's 58 points fell short of the predicted total.
This game was a Quadrant 4 matchup for both teams, with Norfolk State currently ranked 314 in the NET rankings and Delaware State ranked 360. The win improves Norfolk State's record to 12-14, while Delaware State falls to 6-18. The 17-point margin of victory gives Norfolk State a boost in the NET rankings, and could potentially improve their seeding in the conference tournament. For Delaware State, the loss is a setback, but they want to bounce back in their next game. The Hornets' 6-18 record puts them near the bottom of their conference standings, and they must win several games late to have a chance at a postseason berth.
The Norfolk State Spartans want to build on their momentum in their next game, while the Delaware State Hornets will try to regroup and get back on track. Norfolk State's next game is scheduled for February 17 against the Morgan State Bears, while Delaware State will face the Coppin State Eagles on February 19. Both games matters for the teams' conference standings and postseason hopes. The Spartans want to continue their strong play, while the Hornets will try to snap a losing streak and get back to .500 in conference play.