Norfolk, Va. - For the third year in a row, the Norfolk State women's basketball team are MEAC regular season champions. With the 52-40 win over Maryland Eastern Shore on Monday, the Spartans clinched the first seed in the MEAC Tournament on Mar.13-16 at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

Norfolk State (26-7, 11-3 MEAC) was an outright champion last year with a 26-7, 11-3 MEAC record. The Spartans were co-champions with Howard and Morgan State in the 21-22 season after finishing 17-12, 11-3 in the MEAC.

The Spartans defeated the Hawks (14-14, 7-6 MEAC) behind a 21-point performance from Diamond Johnson. Johnson is averaging 20.9 points per game this season which leads the team and the MEAC.

Kierra Wheeler was the leading rebounder for the Spartans with 11. The Spartans secured 19 points off turnovers and had 20 points in the paint. 

Checking The Box Score

• Diamond Johnson scored her 11th 20-point game of the season after finishing with 21 points, four steals, two assists, and three rebounds in the win.
• The Spartans held the Hawks to 24.5 shooting which is the second lowest shooting percentage they have held a team to this season
• This is second lowest three-point shooting percentage the Spartans have held an opponent to (7.7 percent)
• The Spartans has caused double-digit turnovers in every game this season (28)

News & Notes

• Norfolk State improved to 23-5, 12-1 in the MEAC following the win
• Maryland Eastern Shore is 8-18, 3-9 in the MEAC following the loss
• The Spartans have beaten the Hawks in seven consecutive match-ups
• The Spartans crowned MEAC Regular Season Champions after finishing with a 12-1 MEAC record
• The Spartans own a eleven game win streak

UP NEXT
The Spartans regular season finale will be against Howward at home on Thurs., Mar. 7 at 5:30 for Senior Night. The game will be streamed on ESPNU.

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.