WILMINGTON, N.C. – Norfolk State women's basketball used a dominant fourth quarter to push past UNC Wilmington, defeating the Seahawks 42-38 in a come-from-behind victory at Trask Coliseum.
 
The Spartans outscored the Seahawks 18-8 in the final period, earning their second straight victory on Friday. NSU will head into 2023 with a 10-3 record, finishing the 2022 section of the schedule positively.
 
A true defensive battle, NSU and UNCW combined to score 80 points on Friday, tying the lowest single-game total in Norfolk State's history. Friday also marked the first time ever that the Spartans have come away with a victory when scoring 42 points or less.
 
Kierra Wheeler led the Spartans at both ends of the floor, scoring 15 points and securing eight rebounds. Wheeler and UNCW's Carrie Gross were the only players to score in double-figures on Friday.
 
Norfolk State started the game strong, earning a 13-9 advantage after one quarter. Makoye Diawara knocked down a 3-pointer in the period's final two minutes, later finishing the night with six points and seven rebounds.
 
But that offensive fire vanished for the Spartans in the second and third quarters, combining for just 10 points total. The Spartans shot 1-of-12 from the floor in the second period, before going 2-of-7 in the third.
 
The struggles at that end of the court allowed UNCW to retake control of the game, leading for most of the second quarter and all of the third. The Spartans trailed 30-24 enter the final 10 minutes, needing a spark.
 
Niya Fields got the Spartans going with a much-need 3-pointer, before Wheeler scored six straight points to push NSU back in front. Fields drilled another clutch shot from behind the arc after the Seahawks retook the lead, before Deja Francis and Camille Downs made tough baskets down the stretch to closing things out.
 
The Spartans will have some time to rest and enjoy the holidays before their next matchup, wrapping up nonconference play against Chicago State at Echols Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Tip-off is slated for 6 p.m.