The Norfolk State women’s basketball team clinched a share of the MEAC regular season championship for the fourth consecutive season with a 96-57 win at North Carolina Central on Monday evening.
Diamond Johnson led the Spartans with 19 points, adding eight rebounds, six steals, five assists, and two blocks to her totals.
Da’naijah Williams (16), Niya Fields (15), Anjanae Richardson (15), Kierra Wheeler (14), and Jenesis Hill (10) all scored in double figures for NSU as well.
The Spartans got off to a quick start with an 8-3 run capped off by a steal and layup from Johnson. NSU built its advantage up to nine, following a Skye Robinson jumper with 3:08 to play in the first.
Wheeler brought the lead up to 11 with five straight points before the Eagles answered back with a 3-pointer of their own just before the end of the first quarter.
Norfolk State produced a strong defensive effort in the beginning of the second quarter, holding North Carolina Central to just four points through the first four and a half minutes. NSU capitalized on a pair of NCCU turnovers, producing a 6-2 run before the media timeout.
Let the celebration begin!!!🥳#GoldStandard🔰 pic.twitter.com/YVMygfqK51
— Norfolk State Women’s Basketball (@NorfolkStateWBB) March 4, 2025
Richardson picked off a pair of NCCU passes following the break, resulting in layups for Johnson and Richardson. Norfolk State continued its strong effort on both sides of the court, finishing the half on an 8-3 run to take a 41-18 advantage into the locker room.
NSU carried its momentum into the second half, producing a 7-3 run capped off by a Johnson lay-in. Dianna Blake halted the Spartans’ momentum, draining a 3-pointer on the next possession.
Richardson answered back with a swift move to the basket, completing the 3-point play on a free throw. The Eagles kept fighting, scoring the first four points out of the media timeout, before NSU knocked down three consecutive 3-pointers, extending the lead to 27 points.
NCCU produced a late third-quarter run of its own, going on a 5-0 run before Wheeler knocked down a jumper, halting the Eagles momentum.
Can’t leave @_diamond3_ open!
She’s got 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists as we enter the fourth quarter!#GoldStandard🔰 pic.twitter.com/9vGNuEdPb8
— Norfolk State Women’s Basketball (@NorfolkStateWBB) March 3, 2025
The two teams traded baskets to open the fourth quarter before Williams made two sets of free throws to give NSU a 74-40 lead with 7:46 to go in the game. The Spartans extended the lead to their largest of the game, 43 points, behind a 7-0 run.
Stephanie Mosley secured the win for the Spartans, going to the rim for a fastbreak layup, as Norfolk State picked its 15th consecutive win.
Courtesy: Norfolk State Athletics
