NORFOLK, Va. –   Gianne Fleming had 18 points to lead Texas Southern over Norfolk State, 68-53 on Monday night at Joseph Echols Hall.

The Spartans fell to 1-2 and the Tigers improved to 1-2.

Texas Southern started the first half on a 6-0 run.  The Spartans finally got on the board with a free throw shot by Rachel Gordon with 17:45 left in the first half.  NSU rallied back to come within one after a 3-pointer by Kashay Barnes with 16:28 left.

Despite shooting just 22.6 percent (7-of-31) shooting in the first half the Spartans were able to stay within striking distance.  Barnes scored nine of her 11 points in the first half and Rachel Gordon hit a jumper with 10 seconds left in the half to bring NSU within four at the half as NSU trailed Texas Southern, 25-21.

Fleming hit a 3-pointer early in the second half to spark a 10-4 run for Texas Southern as the Tigers led the Spartans, 35-25 with 16:44 left in regulation.  The Spartans came within five with a layup by Marian Brooks with 6:27 left in the half, but were unable to overcome the Tigers.

The Spartans had two players in double-figures as Barnes led the way with 11 points, followed by Quineshia Leonard's 10 points.  Gordon tallied 14 rebounds for NSU.

NSU outrebounded Texas Southern, 38-34.

The Spartans return to action on Saturday when they travel to Greenville, N.C., to take on East Carolina at the ECU Pirate Invitational at 2 p.m.