By: Sebastian Burke, Sports Information Intern
NORFOLK, Va. - The Spartans have lost two in a row, but it has been against some solid teams in Liberty and Marshall. The Spartans look to get back on track at 6 p.m. on Thursday against Virginia University of Lynchburg at Echols Hall.
The next three games will be at home for the Spartan women's basketball team. After VUL, the Spartans will host High Point on Nov. 20 and La Salle on Nov. 22.
Chanette Hicks leads the team averaging 18 points a game, which is tied for first in the MEAC. Hicks also leads the team with five assists per game, which is also tied for first in the conference.
Blaire Thomas leads the Spartans averaging 7.5 rebounds per game, which ranks her sixth in the conference.
Series History
This will be the second overall matchup against VUL, and the first time during head coach Larry Vicker's tenure. NSU is 1-0 all time versus the Dragons, and 0-0 under Vickers.
Last Meeting
Norfolk State last hosted VUL back in the 2013-14 season, coming out with a 116-40 victory in Echols Hall.
Rachel Gordon dropped 20 points to lead the Spartans, while Sierra Thomas led the the Dragons with 14 points.
A Win over VUL Would...
Give the Spartans their second victory against the Dragons in two games against them.
Give the Spartans their first win of the 2019-20 season.
Scouting the Dragons
The Dragons compete in the Nation Christian College Athletic Association.
The Dragons are 1-2 on the season, with a victory over Greensboro College and losses against North Alabama and Tennessee State.
The Dragons rank fourth in the NCCAA in three-point percentage, shooting 31.8% from deep.
Jade Bracey leads the Dragons in scoring with 16 points per game.
Last Time Out
The Spartans return home after a road trip to West Virginia, falling to Marshall 75-69. A big first quarter by the Thundering Herd proved to be too much for the Spartans, despite an impressive comeback attempt by by NSU. Down by as many as 23 points, the Spartans used a 40-19 run in the second half to take the lead with 5:33 remaining in the game. The Herd answered with a 12-5 run to close out the game and squeak out the victory against the Spartans.
Chanette Hicks led NSU in multiple statistical categories, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds and six assists.
Blaire Thomas also had a big game for the Spartans, close to getting a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds. She was 4-of-6 from 3-point range.
La'Deja James was third in scoring for NSU, with 11 points as well as adding five rebounds, three assists and three steals.
NSU By the Numbers
58.5 - Number of points the Spartans have averaged in their first two games.
30% - The percentage of three-pointers the Spartans make, which ranks third in the MEAC
11 - The number of assists the Spartans averaged in the first two games.
1 - Number of players returning that averaged double-figures in scoring last season
(
La'Deja James)
18 - Amount of points
Chanette Hicks is averaging so far this season.
7.5 - The number of rebounds
Blaire Thomas has averaged in the first two games.
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