NORFOLK, Va. – Tatiana Jones and Deja Francis scored 16 points apiece on Tuesday night to lift Norfolk State to an 81-53 win over Chowan in the Spartans' season-opener at Echols Hall.

A third new Spartans, Mahoganie Williams, added a double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds to aid NSU.

While many of the faces are new for NSU, the Spartans showcase their same old stingy defense, holding Chowan to 29.7 percent shooting and forcing the guests into 27 turnovers. Sixteen of those giveaways came via NSU steals, including four each by Jones and Niya Field.

Jones hit a long two-point jumper and then a 3-pointer for the first five points of the game, and NSU never trailed. The Spartans were aggressive at both ends of the floor, shooting 11 free throws and making all of them in opening up a 24-11 advantage after one quarter.

Chowan closed within 24-16 at one point, but the Spartans answered with a 7-1 run and led by double figures the rest of the way. Makoye Diawara scored four points in that spurt. NSU later closed the half on an 11-1 run, highlighted by seven points by Francis, to take a 44-23 lead into the half.

The Spartans cruised in the second half, leading by as many as 30 points after a late layup by Danaijah Williams.

Eleven Spartans scored on Tuesday. Fields and Crystal White both scored seven points. Camille Downs grabbed 11 rebounds, a game high, in 19 minutes off the bench. Jones snared eight.

Aniah Patterson scored 13 to lead Chowan.

The Spartans hit the road for the first time Thursday for a matchup at Campbell in Buies Creek, N.C.