In a thrilling college basketball match, Norfolk State's Spartans achieved an impressive 63-57 victory over the Auburn Tigers on Sunday afternoon. This win marks Norfolk State's second upset of the season against Southeastern Conference teams. Graduate guard Diamond Johnson led the team with 17 points, 11 rebounds, four steals, and three assists. Sophomore Da’Brya Clark also contributed significantly with 15 points. The game featured intense competition, with four ties and two lead changes. Norfolk State's strong performance in the final quarter secured their win, ending Auburn's eight-game home winning streak.
A Closer Look at the Game
On a crisp autumn afternoon, the Norfolk State Spartans traveled to Auburn University for what would become a historic encounter. Graduate guard Diamond Johnson, who transferred from NC State, delivered a stellar performance with her fifth career double-double. Her leadership extended beyond scoring, as she became the first player since Chanette Hicks in 2020 to lead in points, rebounds, steals, and assists in a single game.
The game was tightly contested, featuring four ties and two lead changes. By the end of the third period, Norfolk State had established a commanding lead of 48-35. Junior forward Ciara Bailey initiated the fourth quarter with a crucial layup, assisted by Anjanae Richardson. Makoye Diawara further extended the advantage to 17 points, but Auburn responded fiercely with an 8-0 run, forcing Norfolk State to call a timeout. After the break, sophomore guard Da’Brya Clark halted Auburn's momentum with two fastbreak free throws. With just over two minutes left, Da’naijah Williams grabbed an offensive rebound and scored a vital putback layup. Graduate guard Niya Fields sealed the deal with a late 3-pointer, and Diawara finished off the game with a decisive layup.
This victory not only snapped Auburn’s eight-game home winning streak but also improved Norfolk State’s record to 12-4. Earlier this season, the Spartans had already claimed a significant SEC win against Missouri. Concluding December with a 5-1 record, Norfolk State is set to open Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference play on January 4th against Maryland Eastern Shore.
From a journalist's perspective, Norfolk State's triumph underscores the growing competitiveness of non-conference teams against powerhouse programs. It highlights the importance of depth and versatility within a team, as demonstrated by the Spartans' balanced contributions across multiple players. This win serves as a testament to the hard work and strategic preparation that can level the playing field, inspiring both fans and aspiring athletes alike.