NORFOLK, Va. — In a gripping display of skill and teamwork, Kierra Wheeler propelled Norfolk State to a 68-56 victory over Howard in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Championship final on Saturday, securing the Spartans’ third consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Wheeler tallied 19 points, while Diamond Johnson made a critical impact in the third quarter with seven points, helping the team pull away from their rivals.
During the third quarter, Johnson contributed to a significant surge by shooting 3 of 4 and hitting a pivotal 3-pointer. Teammate Anjanae Richardson also connected from beyond the arc during a 12-2 run that widened Norfolk State’s lead to 43-32. As the fourth quarter commenced, Wheeler dominated by scoring seven out of the Spartans’ first 12 points, extending the lead to 55-35, and ensuring the game was effectively out of reach for Howard.
This championship game marked the fourth consecutive showdown between these two teams, with Howard making its fifth straight title game appearance. Wheeler’s efficient performance saw her shooting 8 for 13, while Johnson concluded with 16 points. Norfolk State’s Da’Brya Clark also contributed with a solid 10 points in the effort, which improved their record to an impressive 30-4.
For Howard, Zennia Thomas led with 19 points and eight rebounds, supported by Destiny Howell’s 12 points. Despite a challenging start, where Norfolk State jumped to a commanding 13-2 lead, Howard fought back with a determined 16-2 run, briefly claiming a 23-20 lead in the second quarter. However, the Spartans managed to reclaim the advantage just before halftime, leading 29-26.
Overall, the game was a testament to Norfolk State’s resilience and strategic execution, as they managed to outmaneuver Howard and claim yet another tournament title, setting their sights on further success in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.
