DURHAM, N.C. — Norfolk State University shot 50-percent in the second half to pull away from a one-possession game at halftime and defeat host North Carolina Central University, 75-60, in Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) women's basketball action Monday evening in McDougald-McLendon Arena.
 
The Spartans outscored the Eagles 23-11 in a decisive third quarter. Norfolk State (9-5 Overall, 2-0 MEAC) has won seven straight games. NCCU (3-12, 1-1) only trailed 30-28 at halftime, but was led to 24-percent shooting accuracy after the intermission.
 
Freshman Kieche White scored 12 points to pace the Eagles. She made a trio of three-pointers while also chipping in four rebounds, two steals and one assist.
 
Sophomore Paulina Afriyie had a strong performance before fouling out. She just missed her fifth double-double with nine points and a game-high 12 rebounds. Afriyie added four blocks and two steals on the defensive end.
 
Juniors Rodneysha Martin and Caira Benton followed with nine and seven points, respectively. Classmate Dominique Adams contributed three steals.
 
NCCU last led 19-18 at the 9:20 mark of the second quarter on a junior Jayla Calhoun basket. The Eagles continued to keep the score close and a free throw by Adams knotted the score for the final time, 28-28, with 95 seconds left in the half.
 
A senior Gabrielle Swinson layup with 16 seconds left propelled the Spartans into the lead by two at halftime. The visitors would not relinquish that lead.
 
Norfolk State scored the first 10 points of the second half and maintained a comfortable advantage from that point, including a double-digit cushion throughout the fourth quarter.
 
Senior forward Kayla Roberts – a First Team All-MEAC honoree last season – led all players with 20 points.
 
The Spartans, who top the league in blocks per game, swatted away 10 shots. Junior Khadedra Croker made half of those blocks. Croker also had 13 points and seven rebounds. NSU outrebounded the Eagles by 12, 53-41, and outscored them 48-16 in the paint.
 
NCCU continues a three-game MEAC homestand hosting Coppin State University on Saturday at 2 p.m.