Box Score Norfolk, VA—It turned into a shootout between the reigning MEAC Player of the Year and a possible future Player of the year. But in the end, Norfolk State had too much firepower as they defeated Howard University, 75-49 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Echols Hall.
The Spartans Pendarvis Williams set the tone early for his team, scoring 15 of his points in the first 20 minutes as Norfolk State (14-10, 8-2 in the MEAC) ran out to a 36-22 lead at intermission.
The 6-6 senior guard, who is the pre-season player of the Year, connected on five of eight from the field. But he also got help from his bench which contributed 12 points.
The Bison (6-19, 4-6 in the MEAC) struggled mightily, missing 20 of their 25 shots, many coming at close range. They did not help themselves as they turned the ball over 13 times that led to 16 Norfolk State points.
The Bison's scoring woes were compounded by their inability to get their two leading scorers going. James "J-Bird" Daniel and
Prince Okoroh, who average almost 37 points between them, combined to go 1 for 10 from the floor and only four points in the first stanza.
The Bison came out in the second half and played much better as Daniel got hot and fueled a 13-2 run that reduced the deficit to 45-34 with 14:49 on the clock. The sharpshooting freshman had the Spartans on their heels as he scored in a variety of ways from different spots on the court.
Norfolk State regrouped following a timeout and proceeded to reel off a 21-7 run that all but decided the outcome. Williams continued to pick his spots on offense but point guard Jamal Fuentes and reserves Marese Phelps and Anell Alexis took turns keeping the young Bison at bay.
Daniel had a torrid early second half, connecting on seven of nine from the field overall, including five of seven from beyond the arc for a team-high 25 points. But the freshman tired and no other Bison player was able to pick up the slack.
Oliver Ellison came off the bench to score seven points and grabbed nine rebounds while
Damon Collins contributed six off the bench.
Williams led Norfolk State with 25, Fuentes with 11 and Phelps and Alexis with 10 apiece.
NEXT UP: Howard travels to Princess Anne, MD to take on the Hawks of Maryland Eastern Shore on Saturday at 4 pm while Norfolk State hosts Hampton on Saturday at 6 pm.
