Norfolk State Spartans Hold Off Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks 70-66 Behind Ellis' 17 Points

The Norfolk State Spartans held off the Maryland, Eastern Shore Hawks 70-66 in a closely contested matchup at the Hytche Center, extending the Hawks' losing streak to six games, with their last five losses coming by an average margin of 10.6 points. The Spartans, who have been averaging 78.2 points per game over their last five outings, were led by Devon Ellis, who scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Anthony McComb III also chipped in with 17 points. The Hawks, who have been struggling to find their footing, averaging just 59.6 points per game over their last five games, were paced by Zion Obanla, who scored 19 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. The Spartans' win was their third in their last five games, and it marked a significant milestone, as they improved to 13-14 on the season, while the Hawks fell to 8-19.

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and playing tenacious defense, as the Spartans shot 43.1% from the field, while the Hawks managed just 40.7%. The Spartans took a 31-28 lead into the break, thanks in large part to Ellis, who scored 10 points in the first half, including a pair of three-pointers. The Hawks, meanwhile, were led by Obanla, who scored 11 points in the first half, including a trio of three-pointers. In the second half, the Spartans continued to push the pace, outscoring the Hawks 39-38, as McComb III scored 12 points, including a pair of clutch three-pointers. The Hawks, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 37.5% from the field in the second half, as they were outscored by 1 point over the final 20 minutes.

The Spartans' Ellis was the difference-maker in this game, as he hit several big shots, including a pair of three-pointers, and grabbed 6 rebounds, while McComb III also played a crucial role, scoring 17 points, including a pair of clutch three-pointers. The Hawks' Obanla, meanwhile, was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 19 points and pulling down 9 rebounds, but he received little help from his teammates, as Dorion Staples was the only other Hawk to score in double figures, finishing with 19 points. The Spartans' Dian Wright-Forde also played a key role, scoring 10 points and grabbing 5 rebounds, as he provided a spark off the bench, and helped to stretch the Hawks' defense with his outside shooting.

The Spartans' win was not entirely unexpected, as they had been trending upwards, averaging 78.2 points per game over their last five outings, while the Hawks had been struggling, averaging just 59.6 points per game over their last five games. The CHD Scout had predicted a 66-72 win for the Spartans, and they were correct, as the Spartans won by a margin of 4 points.

The scout's prediction was correct, as the Spartans' high-powered offense, which has been averaging 78.2 points per game over their last five outings, was able to outlast the Hawks' struggling offense, which has been averaging just 59.6 points per game over their last five games. The Spartans' ability to score from both inside and outside, as they shot 43.1% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range, was the key factor in their win, as they were able to exploit the Hawks' defense, which has been allowing an average of 70.2 points per game over their last five outings.

The win was a significant one for the Spartans, as it marked their 13th win of the season, and it kept them in the hunt for a potential postseason berth. The loss, meanwhile, was a devastating one for the Hawks, as it dropped them to 8-19 on the season, and it marked their sixth consecutive loss. The Hawks have been struggling to find their footing, and this loss was just the latest in a long line of disappointments, as they have been outscored by an average of 10.6 points per game over their last five outings. The Spartans, meanwhile, have been trending upwards, and this win marked their third in their last five games, as they have been outscoring their opponents by an average of 4.4 points per game over that stretch.

The win was a crucial one for the Spartans, as it helped to bolster their resume, and it kept them in the hunt for a potential postseason berth. The Spartans' current NET rank of 309 is a reflection of their improved play, and this win marked a significant milestone, as they improved to 13-14 on the season. The Hawks, meanwhile, saw their NET rank drop to 345, and this loss marked a significant setback, as they fell to 8-19 on the season. The Spartans' win over the Hawks, which was a Q4 game for both teams, was a significant one, as it marked a crucial victory for the Spartans, and it kept them in the hunt for a potential postseason berth. The Spartans' ability to win on the road, as they improved to 5-8 away from home, was a significant factor in their win, and it marked a crucial milestone, as they look to build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.

The Spartans' improved play has been a significant factor in their success, as they have been outscoring their opponents by an average of 4.4 points per game over their last five outings. The Hawks, meanwhile, have been struggling to find their footing, as they have been outscored by an average of 10.6 points per game over their last five outings. The Spartans' win marked a significant milestone, as they improved to 13-14 on the season, and it kept them in the hunt for a potential postseason berth. The Hawks, meanwhile, saw their season slip further away, as they fell to 8-19 on the season, and they were left to ponder what might have been, as they struggled to find their rhythm, shooting just 40.7% from the field, and 25% from three-point range.

The Spartans' win was a reflection of their resilience, as they were able to overcome a strong effort from the Hawks, who were led by Obanla, who scored 19 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. The Spartans, meanwhile, were led by Ellis, who scored 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, as he hit several big shots, including a pair of three-pointers. The Spartans' ability to score from both inside and outside, as they shot 43.1% from the field and 35.7% from three-point range, was the key factor in their win, as they were able to exploit the Hawks' defense, which has been allowing an average of 70.2 points per game over their last five outings. The Spartans' win marked a significant milestone, as they improved to 13-14 on the season, and it kept them in the hunt for a potential postseason berth.

HEADLINE: Norfolk State Spartans Hold Off Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks 70-66 Behind Ellis' 17 Points SUBHEADLINE: The Spartans' win marked their 13th of the season, and it kept them in the hunt for a potential postseason berth, as they improved to 13-14 on the season, and 5-8 away from home, with 7 games remaining on their schedule, including 4 at home, where they have a 8-6 record.