---
"title": "Norfolk State shocks MEAC rival on frantic last-second heave"
"description": "The Norfolk State Spartans opened the first full week of November on a high note, beating North Carolina Central 81-78 in an exciting finish at the buzzer. The win is Norfolk State’s fourth in a row, improving their record to 6-1 against the MEAC (16-8 overall). Meanwhile, North Carolina Central had its three-game win streak […]"
"date": "2025-02-03"
"authors":
  -
    "name": "Jarrett Hoffman"
"url": "https://hbcusports.com/2025/02/03/norfolk-state-shocks-meac-rival-on-frantic-last-second-heave/"
"categories":
  - "Basketball"
  - "News"
"tags":
  - "Norfolk State"
---

# Norfolk State shocks MEAC rival on frantic last-second heave

The Norfolk State Spartans opened the first full week of November on a high note, beating North Carolina Central [81-78 in an exciting finish](https://nsuspartans.com/sports/mens-basketball/stats/2024-2025/north-carolina-central/boxscore/7199) at the buzzer. The win is Norfolk State’s fourth in a row, improving their record to 6-1 against the MEAC (16-8 overall). Meanwhile, North Carolina Central had its three-game win streak snapped, dropping to 3-3 against MEAC competition (10-13 overall). This game was highly competitive featuring 10 lead changes, 16 ties, and neither team taking a lead of more than five points through the first 30 minutes.

> GAME WINNER! BRIAN MOORE JR. [@NSUSpartans](https://twitter.com/NSUSpartans?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 81 NCCU 78 [\#GoldStandard](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoldStandard?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)🔰 [pic.twitter.com/22iIcrqVEx](https://t.co/22iIcrqVEx)
>
> — Norfolk State Men’s Basketball (@NSU\_BBALL) [February 4, 2025](https://twitter.com/NSU_BBALL/status/1886596911139901685?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

With 9:32 remaining in the second half, North Carolina Central began to turn the game in its favor by going on an 8-2 run to take a 70-60 lead. The run was spurned by junior guard Po’Boigh King, who scored four of their eight points and 11 in the second half (15 points in the game). With 4:58 left in the second half and now trailing 75-67, the Spartans went on an 11-4 run over the next three minutes to bring the game back and tie it 78-78 with 32 seconds to go. After forcing a shot clock violation on the Eagles’ ensuing possession, the Spartans got the ball back with two seconds left with a chance to win. With Jaylani Darden inbounding under the opposing basket, he threw an outlet pass to Kuluel Mading at half-court, dumping it to Brian Moore Jr. for a runner-three that banked in at the buzzer. In addition to the eventual game-winner, Moore finished with a team-high 19 points on 6/10 shooting from the field. North Carolina Central junior forward Perry Smith Jr. led all scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds.