Thompson Leads Balanced Attack in Howard Win Over Norfolk State
NORFOLK, VA. - Calvin Thompson continued his scoring barrage, erupting for a game-high 24 points to lead four players in double figures as Howard University defeated Norfolk State University, 82-77 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men's game at Echols Hall. The game was televised nationally on ESPNU as part of the MEAC/ESPNU television package.
A 6-3 sophomore guard from New Orleans, LA, Thompson connected on 7 of 11 from the field and 8 of 10 from the free throw line. Coming off a career-high 33-point effort against North Carolina A&T on Saturday, the MEAC Player of the Week carried the streak over by scoring the Bison's first 11 points in a nip-and-tuck affair that featured 8 ties and 16 lead changes in the first 20 minutes.
With the Norfolk State defense focusing its attention on Thompson, the Bison turned to freshman Dadrian Collins, who tallied 10 first half points. The Spartans (3-13 overall, 2-3 in the MEAC) countered on the scoring of Rob Hampton and Kyle O'Quinn who combined for 15 points. Howard (5-14 overall, 4-1 in the MEAC) led, 33-32 at the half.
In the second half, senior guard Curtis White began to catch fire as he tallied 13 of his 18 points. Collins picked up where he left off, adding 11 points and senior reserve forward Kandi Mukole chipped in with some key points.
Norfolk State got into foul trouble and the Bison capitalized by opening a 14-point lead on three different occasions.
The Spartans staged a furious rally on the scoring of Michael DeLoach, who scored 16 of his team-high 22 points in the second half before fouling out and Hampton, who contributed 13 of his 21. Norfolk State got to within five, but Thompson and White combined to convert 11 of 14 free throws down the stretch to give Howard its third straight win.
Collins, the MEAC Co-Rookie of the Week, finished with a career-high 21 points and a career-high 8 rebounds while Mukole contributed a season-high 11 points.
O'Quinn helped the Spartans' cause with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
NEXT UP: The Bison will host the Rattlers of Florida A&M University on Saturday at 4 pm while the Spartans travel to Winston-Salem State to take on the Rams of Winston-Salem State on Saturday at 4 pm.
