NORFOLK, Va. – Senior Kris Bankston had a career-high 21 points as the Norfolk State claimed the MEAC regular-season title with a commanding 75-46 win over North Carolina Central. It marked back-to-back regular-season titles for the Spartans and now three of the past four as well.
NSU (20-6, 11-2 MEAC) scored the first four points of the game and never looked back. The closest the Eagles came to the Spartans was at two points just one minute and 45 seconds into the game. When NCCU score a layup and free throw with 8:43 left in the first half, it marked the last time the Spartan lead was single digits, 26-17.
Unfortunately for the visitors from Durham, it also marked the last time that they would score any points in the first half while the Spartans went on a 23-0 run to head into halftime with a 49-17 lead. In total, the Eagle scoring drought lasted 9:56 before Eric Boone scored on a jumper with 18:13 left in the game.
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The biggest lead for the Spartans came with 1:21 left when junior Nyzaiah Chambers hit a three-pointer off an assist from sophomore Terrance Jones.
Bankston added 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season. Senior Dana Tate Jr. nearly had his first double-double with 18 points and nine rebounds. Redshirt-Senior Jalen Hawkins was a third NSU player to reach double digits with 11 points. In total eight different Spartan to score.
The 46 points allowed was the fewest against an NCAA team since March 2, 2019, in a 72-38 win over Coppin State.
The Spartans led NCCU in almost every category including points turnover (10-15), points off turnovers (24-4), and points in the paint (36-26).
Courtesy: Norfolk State Athletics
