NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — Zion Obanla scored 20 points to lead Maryland-Eastern Shore to a 74-70 victory over Norfolk State in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s basketball game Monday night at Echols Hall. The Hawks improved to 7-13 overall after holding off a second-half push by the Spartans, who fell to 7-12. Maryland-Eastern Shore led 32-31 at halftime and maintained a narrow advantage throughout the final period. Jaden Cooper added 19 points for the Hawks, and Michael Teal contributed 14 points and five assists. Elijah Jamison led Norfolk State with 15 points and six assists, while Keyontae Lewis scored 13 points. The game drew an attendance of 1,240. Maryland-Eastern Shore visits Coppin State on Saturday. Norfolk State travels to South Carolina State the same day.

NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — In a game defined by its frantic final minute, Maryland-Eastern Shore secured a critical road victory, edging Norfolk State 74-70 in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference men’s basketball clash on Monday night at Echols Hall. The Hawks, who led for nearly the entire contest, saw a once-comfortable advantage evaporate in the closing stages before making the necessary plays at the free-throw line to escape with the win. The victory improved Maryland-Eastern Shore to 7-13 overall, while Norfolk State fell to 7-12. Maryland-Eastern Shore built its lead with efficient offense and key contributions from its starting backcourt. Zion Obanla, a 6-foot-8 forward from Houston, provided a dominant interior presence, finishing with a team-high 20 points. He was complemented by guards Jaden Cooper of Goldsboro, North Carolina, with 19 points, and Michael Teal of Alexandria, Virginia, who added 14 points and five assists. Dorion Staples of Fredericksburg, Virginia, also reached double figures with 10 points. Norfolk State, which trailed 32-31 at halftime, was led by the backcourt duo of Elijah Jamison of Louisburg, North Carolina, who scored 15 points and dished out six assists, and Jordan Leaks of Hampton, Virginia, who contributed nine points. Forward Keyontae Lewis of Chesterfield, Virginia, provided a strong effort off the bench with 13 points. The game’s pivotal sequence unfolded in the last 60 seconds. Holding a narrow lead, Maryland-Eastern Shore’s defense forced a critical turnover when Jaden Cooper stole the ball from Norfolk State’s Anthony McComb with just eight seconds remaining and the Hawks clinging to a two-point advantage. Cooper was immediately fouled and calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead to four points, effectively sealing the outcome. This dramatic finish capped a second half where Norfolk State repeatedly threatened. The Spartans, who had been projected as heavy favorites with a 92% win probability according to National Statistical’s ELO system, chipped away at the deficit and pulled within a single possession multiple times in the final minutes. Each time, however, the Hawks found an answer, often through Obanla in the paint or by drawing fouls. The contest was a defensive struggle at times, with both teams working through offensive droughts. The total score of 144 points fell well under the pregame over/under line of 132.5, highlighting the defensive intensity, particularly in a first half that ended with the teams separated by just one point. Maryland-Eastern Shore’s ability to execute down the stretch on the road provided a significant boost to its conference standing. The Hawks have now won three of their last four games after a difficult non-conference schedule. Norfolk State, meanwhile, was left to ponder a missed opportunity at home, having suffered its second consecutive close conference loss. An announced crowd of 1,240 at Echols Hall witnessed the back-and-forth affair, which saw eight ties and 10 lead changes, though Maryland-Eastern Shore maintained the upper hand for over 36 minutes of game time. The Hawks will look to continue their momentum when they host Coppin State on Saturday. Norfolk State aims to rebound on the road at South Carolina State, also on Saturday.

Preview: Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at Norfolk State Spartans NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — Two teams seeking momentum in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference will meet Monday when the Norfolk State Spartans host the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks at Echols Hall. The Spartans (7-11) enter on a positive note, having edged Delaware State 66-64 on Saturday to snap a three-game skid. The Hawks (6-13) also carry confidence from a conference win, defeating Howard 69-57 at home this past Saturday. Both teams now look to build on those results in a pivotal early-season league matchup. Norfolk State’s fortunes often hinge on forward Devon Ellis. He is coming off a dominant performance in a narrow loss to North Carolina Central on Jan. 3, where he posted 18 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks. His versatility will be key against a UMES squad that has shown recent improvement. The Hawks are led by guard Dorion Staples, who scored 16 points in the win over Howard and has been a consistent offensive threat. He poured in 19 points at Virginia Tech last month and had another 16-point outing in the Jan. 3 victory over Morgan State. Support came Saturday from Zion Obanla, who added 10 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Both teams have faced challenging non-conference slates. The Hawks’ six wins include a rout of Division III Gwynedd Mercy but also feature losses at power-conference programs Texas and Virginia Tech. The Spartans’ resume includes a blowout win over Virginia-Lynchburg and a tight road victory at UTEP, alongside defeats at Baylor and Arizona. Monday’s contest opens a critical stretch for each squad. Norfolk State will hit the road to face South Carolina State next Saturday, while Maryland-Eastern Shore prepares to host Coppin State on Jan. 17. With the conference race beginning to take shape, securing home victories is paramount for any team with aspirations of climbing the MEAC standings. Tip-off is set for Monday night at Echols Hall in Norfolk.