Norfolk State Tops Coppin State 55-53 in MEAC

Written by (AP) Friday, 11 March 2011 05:11

Rob Hampton hit a layup with 2 seconds remaining to lift Norfolk State over Coppin State 55-53 on Thursday night in the quarterfinals of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament.

The Spartans (12-19) trailed 51-44 with 6:32 left to play before scoring seven unanswered points, tying it at 51 with less than 4 minutes to go.

The teams traded a pair of free throws in the final 3:21 as both offenses combined to go 0 for 8 from the floor over the final 3:57.

Tony Gallo missed the potential go-ahead jumper for the Eagles (16-14) with 48 seconds left and Kyle O'Quinn, who finished with 13 boards, secured the rebound for the Spartans, setting up the game-winning possession.

Pendarvis Williams scored 11 for the Spartans, while O'Quinn and Hampton each added 10 points.

Norfolk State will face No. 2 Hampton (22-8) in the semifinals on Friday night.