NORFOLK, Va. (COURTESY NSU ATHLETICS) — The Norfolk State women’s basketball team earned its 23rd consecutive home victory with an 83-37 win over South Carolina State on Saturday afternoon.

Senior forward Kierra Wheeler recorded her 11th double-double of the season with 19 points and 16 rebounds. She also added four blocks, four steals, and two assists to her totals.

Da’Brya Clark (15), Makoye Diawara (13), and Diamond Johnson (12) all scored in double figures for NSU in the win.

South Carolina State opened up the contest making 4-of-9 shots to build an early 11-2 advantage. Sophomore guard Jenesis Hill ended the almost six-minute scoring drought for the Spartans with a pair of free throws, cutting into the Bulldogs lead with 2:45 left in the first quarter. Heaven Harper capped off the strong quarter for the Bulldogs with a jumper, giving SCSU a 17-4 lead.

The Spartans came alive in the second quarter, climbing back into the contest with a 14-0 run capped off by a steal and layup from Wheeler. Wheeler also scored the next six points for the Spartans, draining a 3-pointer from the left corner to give NSU a 24-19 edge.

Norfolk State ended the half on a 14-2 run with Da’naijah Williams hitting a pullup jumper with just two seconds left on the clock, allowing Norfolk State to take a 38-23 advantage into the locker room.

Johnson got NSU on the board first in the second half with a jumper just inside the 3-point line. Diawara made a layup with 6:53 left in the third quarter, capping off an 8-0 run and forcing the Bulldogs to take a timeout.

Norfolk State continued to apply pressure following the timeout, forcing a pair of SCSU turnovers and gaining a 53-27 lead. NSU ended the third quarter on an 8-2 run with Wheeler getting to the rim for a layup.

NSU continued its scoring spree to open the fourth quarter with a 9-0 run over the first four minutes. Following the media timeout, Clark knocked down a 3-pointer, giving NSU a 79-34 lead with 4:22 left to play in the game. Sophomore guard Anjanae Richardson put the final touches on an 83-37 win with a jumper.

Checking the Box Score

  • Kierra Wheeler led NSU with 19 points, adding 16 rebounds, four blocks, four steals, and two assists to her totals
  • Da’Brya Clark (15), Makoye Diawara (13), and Diamond Johnson (12) also scored in double figures
  • NSU outrebounded SCSU 44-32
  • Norfolk State capitalized off South Carolina State turnovers, scoring 41 points
  • The Spartans shot 85 percent from the free throw line (17-of-20)
  • Norfolk State outscored South Carolina State 34-6 in the second quarter