DURHAM, N.C. ---- The Norfolk State women's basketball team took on nationally ranked Duke at the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium on Wednesday evening, falling 83-32.
 
Norfolk State dropped to 2-2, while No. 15 Duke improved to 2-1. Anjanae Richardson led the Spartans with 11 points, while LeAire Nicks and Carmen Kweti each grabbed six rebounds.
 
The Blue Devils took control early, capitalizing on a slow offensive start by the Spartans to build an 8-0 lead before Jasha Clinton put NSU on the board. Jazmine Spencer cut the deficit to five with a 3-pointer, but Duke closed the quarter on a 7-0 run to lead 17-5 heading into the second.
 
Norfolk State opened the second quarter strong, scoring five of the first seven points, capped by a Da'Brya Clark 3-pointer that forced a Duke timeout. The Blue Devils responded with a 9-2 run to extend their advantage to 30-12. Ciara Bailey sank a pair of free throws late in the half, and Richardson hit a jumper to make it 38-16 at the break.
 
Duke extended its lead in the third quarter with an 11-0 run before Richardson ended the stretch with free throws. The Spartans ramped up their defensive intensity, holding Duke to just two points over a three-minute span. The teams traded baskets down the stretch as the Blue Devils took a 58-26 lead into the final period.
 
Spencer opened the fourth quarter with a driving layup, but Duke countered with a 14-0 run before another Richardson basket ended the surge. The Blue Devils closed out the game with an 83-32 win.
 
QUOTABLE
"It's always special to have the opportunity to come to Cameron Indoor," head coach Jermaine Woods said. "The building itself is iconic, and the event staff welcomes you with open arms. I'm very happy that our young women had the opportunity to be able to play in the iconic building."
 
"I told coach Kara after the game that I appreciate the opportunity she gave us tonight, and with her making the trip back to Norfolk next year," Woods added. "It's important that the young women in our community get a chance to see the people they see on tv live in person. It is going to be very exciting."
 
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE

• Norfolk State fell to No. 15 Duke 83-32
• Anjanae Richardson led the Spartans with 11 points
• LeAire Nicks and Carmen Kweti each grabbed six rebounds
• Da'Brya Clark went a perfect 4-4 at the charity stripe
• Clark, Clinton, Kweti, and Bailey each recorded three steals  
• Norfolk State forced Duke to turn the ball over 22 times

NEWS & NOTES

• Norfolk State fell to 2-2 with the loss
• No. 15 Duke improved to 2-1 with the win
• The Blue Devils will visit Echols Hall next year as part of a home-and-home series
• Duke now leads the all-time series 2-0
• LeAire Nicks made her first career start

UP NEXT
Norfolk State continues its road trip on Sunday, Nov. 16, visiting No. 16 Iowa State in Ames, Iowa. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. EST.