WILLIAMSBURG, Va. – The Norfolk State women's basketball team fell 65-56 to William & Mary on Friday afternoon at Kaplan Arena.

After being down by as many as 19 points, the Spartans started the fourth quarter on a 17-6 run capped off by a Chanette Hicks and-one with 2:57 remaining to cut the Tribe's lead to 61-56. W&M was able to ice the game with two more baskets in the final two minutes while holding the Spartans scoreless for the remainder of the game.

Both teams came out on fire in the third quarter, each scoring at least 20 points and collectively shooting over 40% from the floor. Every time the Spartans would cut into the lead, the Tribe would answer with a run of their own. W&M reached their largest lead in the third quarter, up by 19 points with 5:48 left in the third.

The Tribe opened up a sizeable lead in the second quarter, paced by their deep threats Eva Hodgson and Sydney Wagner with five points each. La'Deja James and Hicks scored nine of the 12 points for the Spartans in the second quarter.

The Tribe's defense stifled the Spartans for most of the game, especially in the first quarter after holding the Spartans to just six points. The slow start by the Spartans forced them to play from behind for the rest of the game. NSU shot just 3-of-14 (21.4%) in the first period of play.

Hicks led the Spartans with 16 points, along with six assists and four steals. Blaire Thomas finished with 13 points, scoring eight during the Spartans' run in the fourth quarter. James finished with 10 points, four steals and two assists for NSU.

The Tribe were paced by Hodgson, who finished with 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting. Forward Gabby Rogers finished with 14 points and nine rebounds, giving the Spartans fits in the high-post by raining down mid-range jumpers.

As a team the Tribe had a slightly better shooting percentage, going 24-of-60 (40%) compared to NSU's 22-of-58 (37.9%). W&M also held the advantage at the free-throw line, hitting 11-of-13 (84.6%) compared to the Spartans' 7-of-14 (50%).

The Spartans have one more game before the new year, traveling to the University of Richmond on Dec. 30^th for a 6:30 p.m. tipoff.