Box Score ORANGEBURG, SC—The Spartans had four players in double-figures with Mastadi Pitt leading the way with a game-high 17 points to lead Norfolk State to an, 78-54, victory over South Carolina State Saturday (Jan. 20^th) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.

"I give Coach Jones and his guys credit they came in today and was more physical than we were on the boards," said Bulldog head coach Murray Garvin. "We will learn from this tough loss and be prepared for Hampton on Monday night."

Sophomore forward Damani Applewhite had a solid game for the Bulldogs recording the games only double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Janai Raynor-Powell, Donte Wright and Justin Jones all finished with eight points in the loss.

Steven Whitely added 16 points and six rebounds, while Kyle Williams finished with 13 and Alex Long 12 points and six boards in the win.

Norfolk State led 35-31 during intermission.

The Spartans opened up the second-half with solid shooting building their biggest lead of the evening, 18, 50-68 off a layup by Alex Long with 5:07 remaining. Applewhite tossed in a pair of free-throws followed by a layup by freshman guard Rayshawn Neal to cut the lead to 14, 54-68, with under 3:56 left in regulation.

Back-to-back three pointers by Whitely and Pitt sealed the victory for the Spartans. South Carolina State falls to 7-13 overall, 3-2 in the MEAC, while Norfolk State improves to 4-15 overall, 2-2 in the league.

The Bulldogs return to action on Monday when they face Hampton University in the final of a four-game home stand at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tip-off is 7:30 p.m.