PRINCESS ANNE, Md. – Norfolk State's five-game win streak came to an end on Monday night in road territory, as the Spartans fell 69-60 to Maryland Eastern Shore at the Hytche Athletic Center.
 
Jamarii Thomas and Tyrel Bladen led the Spartans with 16 points each, the fourth consecutive double-figure scoring game for the latter. Allen Betrand, making his first start since Jan. 8, added 13 points.
 
Devon Ellis led UMES with 20 points on an 8-of-10 shooting day, while Hawks forward Troy Hupstead recorded an 18-point, 15-rebound double double.
 
Bladen got the Spartans on the board first to start the game with a strong finish in the lane, before Jaylani Darden converted at the rim on the fastbreak a few minutes later.
 
Thomas made his way into the box score with a tough mid-range jump shot, connecting from deep a couple of possessions after. Betrand heated up from there, scoring the Spartans' next seven points to gain an 18-11 advantage.
 
UMES began to claw its way back with consecutive trips to the free throw line. Bladen accounted for three consecutive field goals for the Spartans, however, before Thomas drained another shot from deep to get NSU some breathing room.
 
Maryland Eastern Shore turned on the jets from that point, though, scoring the final eight points of the half, taking a 28-27 lead into the break.
 
The Hawks opened the second half with back-to-back scores, until Thomas ended the 13-0 UMES run with a fastbreak dunk. Darden drained a 3-pointer from soon after, pulling the Spartans closer.
 
Maryland Eastern Shore continued to apply pressure, as Kelechi Okorogwo knocked down a 3-pointer to push the Hawk advantage past double-digits.
 
Norfolk State began to fight back as the UMES lead increased to 15, starting with a fastbreak dunk by Kuluel Mading.  Layups from Bladen and Thomas, followed by a second-chance basket from Tyrese Jenkins, helped the Spartans attain an 8-0 run.
 
The burst pulled NSU within seven, but Maryland Eastern Shore bounced back with a layup and 3-pointer, getting the crowd back on its side with under five minutes remaining.
 
Norfolk State battled until the final whistle but couldn't get the deficit back to single digits as the clock continued to dwindle. The Hawks knocked down their free throws in the final minutes, earning their first win over NSU since Feb. 9, 2015.
 
Checking The Box Score

• Jamarii Thomas and Tyrel Bladen led the Spartans with 16 points each, the fourth consecutive game scoring in double-figures by the latter
• Allen Betrand tallied 13 points as well, making his first appearance in the starting lineup since Jan. 8
• Devon Ellis led UMES with 20 points, shooting 8-of-10 from the floor
• Hawks forward Troy Hupstead recorded an 18-point, 15-rebound double double
• Monday's game featured one tie and one lead change
• Spanning from late in the first half to early in the second half, UMES went on a 13-0 scoring run

 
News & Notes

• Norfolk State dropped to 15-9 with the loss, 5-2 in MEAC play
• The loss snapped the Spartans' five-game win streak
• UMES improved to 6-14 on the season with the win, 2-5 in conference action
• With North Carolina Central's loss to Morgan State on Monday, Norfolk State remains in a tie for first place in the MEAC standings
• Norfolk State now leads the all-time series between the programs 51-19
• The loss snapped Norfolk State's 10 game win-streak against UMES, who earned its first win over Norfolk State since Feb. 9, 2015 

 
UP NEXT
 
Norfolk State gets nearly two weeks to prepare for its next contest, returning to action on Saturday, Feb. 17 for Alumni Day at Echols Hall against South Carolina State.
 
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.