SAVANNAH, Ga. – Norfolk State has developed a penchant for strong finishes. The Spartans (4-1) have outscored teams by a combined 57 points in the second halves of their last three games, using another imposing conclusion to defeat Purdue Fort Wayne 62-48 on Monday evening.
 
The Mastodons' 48 points marked their lowest output this season, shooting just 15-of-55 from the floor (27.3 percent). Coming into Monday's matchup, Purdue Fort Wayne averaged 75.5 points per contest.
 
Deja Francis and Kierra Wheeler both scored in double digits for the Spartans, tallying 14 and 12 points, respectively. Wheeler's contribution came with great efficiency, making 6-of-8 field goal attempts in just 21 minutes of play.
 
Camille Downs accounted for the first four points of the night, picking off a lackadaisical pass to set up a fastbreak layup and knocking down a pair of free throws on the Spartans' next possession. The reigning MEAC Defensive Player of the Year recorded three steals on Monday, bringing her season average to 3.2 per game.
 
A nine-point run from the Mastodons put them in the driver's seat, as Destinee Marshall scored off a turnover to take a six-point lead at the end of the first quarter. Downs and Wheeler started the second period with back-to-back buckets, but a flurry of threes by the opposition boosted the deficit to as much as nine points.
 
Da'naijah Williams stopped the run with a mid-range jumper, swiping a steal and converting on a fast break layup moments later. Williams finished the night with nine points off the bench, adding three rebounds as well.
 
Mahoganie Williams cut the Mastodons' lead to four with a buzzer-beating layup to end the first half, and the Spartans kept the momentum going after the break, scoring the first 12 points of the second half. Wheeler made a trio of layups during the run, giving Norfolk State a 38-30 lead.
 
A pair of jumpers from Francis kept the Spartans' offense cruising before Skye Robinson scored with a foul for an energizing and-one. Trailing by four at half, the Spartans headed into the fourth quarter holding an eight-point advantage.
 
The Mastadons scored nine points in the third quarter, and they wouldn't reach double-digits in the fourth either, posting just 18 total points in the second half. The Spartans started the final period on a 13-0 run, cruising to their third straight victory.
 
After winning the first of three matchups of the Hostilo Hoops Community Classic, Norfolk State goes right back at it tomorrow at 7 p.m. against UT Martin.