NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk State women's basketball team used a balanced offensive performance to defeat the District of Columbia 85-39 on Thursday evening at Echols Hall.
 
Da'Brya Clark and Jasha Clinton each scored 23 points to lead the Spartans, while Anjanae Richardson added 17. Carmen Kweti anchored the defensive effort with 11 rebounds, and Clinton recorded a career-high nine steals.
 
Norfolk State shot 43.3 percent from the floor (29-of-67) and went 21-of-26 from the free-throw line (80.8 percent). The Spartans outrebounded the Firebirds 37-30 and forced 38 turnovers.
 
Norfolk State opened the first quarter with a layup from Kweti and later went on a 5-0 run capped by a Clark 3-pointer to take an early five-point lead. UDC responded with an 8-3 run to end the quarter, giving the Firebirds a two-point advantage heading into the second.
 
The Spartans found their rhythm in the second quarter, using a 10-0 run to build a 28-19 lead. A Clinton layup extended NSU's advantage to 32-22, and Clark closed the half with two free throws to give Norfolk State a 37-25 lead at the break.
 
Clinton scored four straight points to open the third quarter before Richardson hit three consecutive 3-pointers to push the lead to 50-28. NSU closed the period on a 6-2 run and led 56-30 entering the fourth.
 
The Spartans continued to control the pace in the final quarter, opening with a 17-2 run, highlighted by Clark's and-one finish. Norfolk State maintained its energy on both ends the rest of the way to secure the 85-39 victory.
 
QUOTABLE
"We didn't get the start we wanted tonight, but I was really proud of how we settled in and responded," head coach Jermaine Woods said. "There were some nerves with it being our first home game, but once we found our pace, we defended well and competed the way we know we can."
 
"Jasha, Carmen, and Da'Brya really set the tone with their energy and tempo," Woods added. "If we can all match that level of intensity, we have the makings of a championship-caliber team. We'll take what we learned, get back to work, and be ready for Sunday."
 
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE

• Norfolk State defeated UDC 85-39 in its home opener
• Da'Brya Clark and Jasha Clinton each tallied 23 points
• Anjanae Richardson added 17 points in the win
• Carmen Kweti brought in 11 rebounds,
• Clinton tallied a career high of nine steals
• Norfolk State shot 43.3 percent for the game (29-of-67)
• The Spartans also shot 61.5 percent in the third quarter (8-of-13)
• NSU outrebounded UDC 37-30
• The Spartans forced the Firebirds to turn the ball over 38 times

 
NEWS & NOTES

• Norfolk State improved to 1-1 on the season
• The game served as an exhibition for UDC
• NSU now leads the all-time series 8-7
• The game marked Jermaine Woods' first win as Norfolk State's head coach
• The Spartans extend their home winning streak to 27 straight games

UP NEXT
Norfolk State returns to action on Sunday, Nov. 9, hosting Virginia State at 4:30 p.m. at Echols Hall.
 
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.