The Norfolk State Spartans opened the first full week of November on a high note, beating North Carolina Central 81-78 in an exciting finish at the buzzer.
The win is Norfolk State’s fourth in a row, improving their record to 6-1 against the MEAC (16-8 overall). Meanwhile, North Carolina Central had its three-game win streak snapped, dropping to 3-3 against MEAC competition (10-13 overall).
This game was highly competitive featuring 10 lead changes, 16 ties, and neither team taking a lead of more than five points through the first 30 minutes.
With 9:32 remaining in the second half, North Carolina Central began to turn the game in its favor by going on an 8-2 run to take a 70-60 lead.
The run was spurned by junior guard Po’Boigh King, who scored four of their eight points and 11 in the second half (15 points in the game).
With 4:58 left in the second half and now trailing 75-67, the Spartans went on an 11-4 run over the next three minutes to bring the game back and tie it 78-78 with 32 seconds to go.
After forcing a shot clock violation on the Eagles’ ensuing possession, the Spartans got the ball back with two seconds left with a chance to win.
With Jaylani Darden inbounding under the opposing basket, he threw an outlet pass to Kuluel Mading at half-court, dumping it to Brian Moore Jr. for a runner-three that banked in at the buzzer.
In addition to the eventual game-winner, Moore finished with a team-high 19 points on 6/10 shooting from the field.
North Carolina Central junior forward Perry Smith Jr. led all scorers with 24 points and nine rebounds.
