It was a recreation that was not determined till the ultimate seconds, however in the long run, Norfolk State did what was essential to repeat as Mid-Japanese Athletic Convention champions.
Convention participant of the yr Kierra Wheeler recorded one more double-double and scored the go-ahead factors because the No. 1 seeded Spartans edged No. 2 Howard 51-46, incomes one other journey to the NCAA event.
Wheeler, who scored 20 factors and grabbed 15 rebounds, asserted herself halfway by the fourth quarter with Howard main 41-37. She received put up place on one play, spun off of her defender and scored, then repeated the feat the subsequent possession for one more basket. She was fouled with 5:03 to go within the interval and made one in every of two free throws to offer the Spartans (27-5) the lead for good.
After a Diamond Johnson three put Norfolk State forward 45-41, Howard rallied again to inside a single level, 47-46 after a Vanessa Blake rebound and layup, with 20 seconds remaining.
Wheeler blocked a shot and Johnson (12 factors) break up a pair of free throws, giving Howard an opportunity to tie with 8.6 seconds left. Sa’lah Hemmingway’s tying try bounced off the facet of the rim and free throws by Da’Brya Clark and Danaijah Williams sealed the sport for the NSU.
Iyanna Warren led Howard (15-16) with 19 factors.
Head coach Larry Vickers was complimentary of Howard on ESPN+’s post-game interview, saying “That group has gotten higher every recreation this season. We haven’t had an in depth recreation in 2024 and the loss to Howard, they blew us out.”
Norfolk State will now wait to see who they may play within the NCAA event on Choice Sunday. With 27 wins and victories in opposition to comparable non-conference opponents, the Spartans are hopeful to be seeded above the 16 line.
