PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — In a game that featured 14 lead changes and seven ties, the Norfolk State women's basketball team fell 55-50 to Penn on Tuesday evening at the Palestra.
 
Norfolk State dropped to 2-4, while Penn improved to 4-1.
 
Cire Worley led the Spartans with 13 points and seven rebounds. Jasha Clinton added a double-double with 10 points and a career-high 12 rebounds, along with three steals and three assists.
 
Norfolk State outrebounded Penn 48-33 and outscored the Quakers 24-18 in the paint. Penn shot 34 percent (21-of-62), while the Spartans finished at 27 percent (18-of-66).
 
Penn opened the game with a 10-7 lead before Worley knocked down a 3-pointer to give Norfolk State its first advantage. The teams traded baskets throughout the quarter, with LeAire Nicks' layup pushing NSU ahead 15-14. Penn closed the period with a steal and layup, taking a 16-15 lead into the second quarter.
 
Anjanae Richardson converted a second-chance jumper to start the second quarter, putting NSU briefly back in front. After Penn tied the game at 19, Worley again pushed the Spartans ahead 22-21. The Quakers hit a late 3-pointer to take a 26-24 halftime lead.
 
Penn opened the third quarter with a 5-0 run before Worley stopped the stretch at the free-throw line. NSU responded with strong defense, forcing three steals — two from Clinton and one from Da'Brya Clark — to take a 35-33 lead. A second-chance jumper from Carmen Kweti gave the Spartans their largest lead, but Penn answered with an 8-2 run to tie the game at 41 entering the fourth.
 
The Quakers opened the final quarter with another 8-2 run, but Worley cut the deficit to three with a 3-pointer. Penn held NSU scoreless for the next five minutes and extended its lead to 53-46. The Spartans trimmed the margin to three with 19 seconds remaining, but Penn sealed the win with two late free throws.
 
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE

• Penn defeated Norfolk State 55-50
• Cire Worley led the Spartans in scoring with 13 points
• Jasha Clinton recorded a double-double with 12 rebounds and 10 points
• Norfolk State outrebounded Penn 48-33
• Tuesday's game featured 14 lead changes and seven ties
• NSU tallied 17 second-chance points to Penn's four

NEWS & NOTES

• Norfolk State fell to 2-4 on the season
• Penn improved to 4-1 on the season
• The Quakers now lead the all-time series 2-1
• The game marked Jasha Clinton's first career double-double, along with a career high of 12 rebounds

 
UP NEXT
Norfolk State will return to action in the annual "Battle of the Bay," against Hampton, taking place on Friday, Nov. 21 at Echols Hall at 5:30 p.m.
 
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.