The Norfolk State women’s basketball team had to work hard, but the Spartans sweep is now complete.
The Spartans women’s team joined the men as MEAC champions, defeating second seed Howard 68-56 Saturday afternoon for their third straight conference tournament title.
Norfolk State (30-4) becomes the first school to sweep the men’s and women’s MEAC titles since Hampton did it in 2011.
Here’s how the Spartans got it done.
Wheeler was dealin’
Norfolk State forward Kierra Wheeler, long considered to be the best post player in HBCU women’s hoops, only enhanced her reputation Saturday afternoon with 19 points, 7 rebounds, 6 blocked shots and 4 steals. Wheeler also drained a WNBA-range three-pointer as a part of her scoring.
Whenever the Spartans needed a big basket, a key rebound, or a contest, she was there. And whoever draws the assignment of guarding her or being guarded by her in the NCAA tournament is going to be in for a long night.
Shine bright like a Diamond
Diamond Johnson got Norfolk State going early with five points, two steals and an assist that pushed the Spartans to an early 13-2 lead. She finished with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. The two-time MEAC Player of the Year has made her mark on HBCU basketball and will be a huge part of the Spartans’ NCAA tournament plans.
Letting it fly 👌#GoldStandard🔰 pic.twitter.com/tuEeq5bi0s
— Norfolk State Women’s Basketball (@NorfolkStateWBB) March 15, 2025
Howard hurt by turnovers
The Bison clawed back to manageable distances several times after Norfolk State held big leads, but an unfortunate turnover was always just around the bend.
Howard turned the ball over 21 times, compared to just 11 for Norfolk State. The extra possessions gave the Spartans the boost they needed while forcing Howard to play catch-up all game long.
Get your role (player) on
While Wheeler and Johnson make a pretty good dynamic duo, Norfolk State got key contributions from several players in the win. Guard Niya Fields handed out a game-high 7 assists and scored 8 points, Da’Brya Clark came off the bench to score 10 and forward Makoye Diawara was a great complement to Wheeler with 9 rebounds.
Team play is the way Norfolk State has won all year. 30 wins later, they will find out Sunday if their great record, their wins against two SEC schools and their two potential WNBA draftees is good enough for the highest tournament seed in HBCU hoops history.
