NORFOLK, Va. — There were no shortage of storylines heading into The President's Day showdown between Norfolk State and North Carolina Central. The Eagles defeated the Spartans 60-58 on January 21st, with NSU missing 3 starters due to injury. These two programs also sit first and second in the MEAC, with Norfolk State holding a one game lead heading into Monday Night. A win would not only provide the Spartans short term vengeance, but long term conference standings security with the MEAC tournament nearing.
Despite the friendly confines of Echols Hall, Norfolk State struggles shooting the ball through much of the first half. Competitive but sloppy, the game was close throughout. A Tyrese Jenkins 3 toward the end of the 1st portend things to come.
Norfolk State shots began to fall more consistently in the 2nd and Jamarii Thomas exploded for 28 points on the night after a slow first half of his own. Thomas went 16/19 from the free throw line, no surprise there as Thomas has practically drawn fouls at will this season. With Thomas collapsing the defense, and shots falling, the Spartans scored 54 points in the second half.
They send the Eagles packing with an 80-74 victory, a 2 game lead in the MEAC, and wins over each conference championship contender.