The Norfolk State Spartans women’s basketball season ended in the first round of the NCAA tournament following a 79-50 loss to Stanford.
Norfolk State came into this game riding a 15-game win streak, including a narrow 51-46 win over Howard to clinch its second straight MEAC championship.
Diamond Johnson led the Spartans with 19 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, while Kierra Wheeler put up 17 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks.
It was a rough shooting night for the Spartans’ top stars, who combined to shoot 32% from the field. This included Johnson missing on all eight of her three-point attempts.
Despite this, Norfolk State hung tough with Stanford early, forcing six turnovers in the first quarter. At the end of the first, they trailed by just three points.
Feels like March
#GoldStandard
pic.twitter.com/gNtngw8Dtd
— Norfolk State Women’s Basketball (@NorfolkStateWBB) March 23, 2024
However, NSU was unable to grab the lead, and Stanford’s star power and three-point shooting caused the lead to bloom going forward.
They gave up a 9-0 run to begin the second quarter, giving the Cardinals a 12-point lead, and it would remain at double-digits for the rest of the game.
Stanford All-American Cameron Brink imposed her will down low, recording a 17-point and 15-rebound double-double while adding six blocks.
The Cardinals also had two players, Elena Bosgana and Hannah Jump, each hit four three-pointers, contributing on their way to victory.
Norfolk State’s season ends with a 27-6 overall record.
