SC State Drops MEAC-Opener To Norfolk State 82-67

Jr. Guard Aaron Martin

Box Score NORFOLK, VA—The South Carolina State Bulldogs dropped an 82-67 decision to conference foe Norfolk State Monday in its first MEAC-Opener at Echols Hall.
        The Bulldogs fall to 4-5 on the season, 0-1 in the MEAC and dropped their third-straight contest in a row. Senior guard Brandon Riley poured in a game-high 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the loss, while junior guard/forward Aaron Martin added 12 points and 9 rebounds.
         Norfolk State was led by guard Pendarvis Williams with a team-high 20 points and six rebounds, while Preseason MEAC Player of the Year Kyle O 'Quinn chipped in 18 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. Senior guard Brandon Wheeless also added 12 points and 6 rebounds for the Spartans, while Chris McEachin and Jamel Fuentes each added 10 before fouling out in the second half.
        The Spartans jumped out to a quick nine point lead, 11-2 on a pair of free-throws by Rodney McCauley at the 16:47 mark in the first half. Martin tied the game, 24-24 for the Bulldogs nailing a jumper, while being fouled with 3:56 left in the half. Junior point guard Khalif Toombs tossed in a jumper with 0:12 seconds left to give SC State a 30-29 lead at halftime.
        The second half belong to the Spartans jumping out to an 11 point advantage, 72-61 off a layup by Jamel Fuentes with 3:21 left in the contest. Wheeless hit a driving layup while being fouled give Norfolk State a 79-63 lead with 1:07 left. He then hit a pair of free-throws with 0:39 seconds left to seal the victory for the Spartans.
         Norfolk State out-rebounded SC State 44-38 for the victory. The Spartans improve to 6-3 overall, and 2-0 in the MEAC.
        SC State will return to action on Saturday when they travel to Boiling Springs, NC to face Gardner-Webb University in a non-conference matchup. The Bulldogs won the battle earlier this season at home73-68 (11/19/11) in Orangeburg, SC. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m.
                                                      --30--

Print Friendly Version