Norfolk State's high-powered offense proved too much for South Carolina State to handle, as the Spartans secured a 89-82 victory at the Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Anthony McComb III led the charge for Norfolk State, scoring 19 points to pace the team. The win marked a strong performance by the Spartans, who outscored the Bulldogs 53-46 in the second half to seal the deal.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams struggling to gain a clear advantage. Norfolk State and South Carolina State entered the locker room tied at 36-36, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. Jayden Johnson, who finished with 16 points and 5 assists for South Carolina State, was a key factor in the Bulldogs' ability to keep pace with the Spartans. However, Norfolk State's depth and balanced attack ultimately was the difference-maker.
As the second half got underway, Norfolk State began to pull away, fueled by the strong play of McComb III and supporting performances from Elijah Jamison and Mykel Jenkins, who each chipped in 14 points and 5 rebounds. The Spartans' ability to score from multiple positions and control the tempo of the game allowed them to build a comfortable lead, which they maintained despite a late push from the Bulldogs.
South Carolina State, led by Johnson and James Morrow, who added 15 points, refused to go quietly, but ultimately fell short. The Bulldogs' inability to contain Norfolk State's offense, which shot efficiently and moved the ball effectively, was a major factor in their defeat.
The outcome of this game has real consequences for both teams' resumes, particularly in terms of quadrants. For Norfolk State, the win counts as a Q4 victory, which may not significantly boost their tournament chances but does help to pad their overall record. Meanwhile, the loss for South Carolina State, also a Q4 game, is a missed opportunity to pick up a win against a similarly positioned opponent.
As Norfolk State looks to build on this performance, they will aim to carry their strong offense into future games. With a record of 10-13, the Spartans still have work to do to become a serious contender, but this win is a step in the right direction. For South Carolina State, the loss drops them to 5-16, and they must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push in the second half of the season. The Bulldogs' tournament chances, already slim, take a hit with this defeat, making their remaining games all the more crucial.