Preview: Norfolk State Spartans at Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks PRINCESS ANNE, Md. (Interstat) — A tight Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s basketball race continues Thursday when the Maryland-Eastern Shore Hawks host the Norfolk State Spartans. The game at the William P. Hytche Athletic Center is a rematch of a Jan. 8 meeting, which the Hawks (14-11) won 63-60 on the Spartans’ home floor. That result is part of a recent surge for Maryland-Eastern Shore, which has won four of its last five games, including a 66-53 victory at Morgan State on Saturday. Brianna Barnes led the Hawks with 15 points and seven rebounds in that win and is averaging 14.3 points over her last four contests. Norfolk State (11-12) arrives having won four of its last five, most recently a 58-45 defensive triumph over North Carolina Central on Saturday. The Spartans are powered by forward Da’Brya Clark, who is coming off a dominant 23-point, 11-rebound double-double in that game. Clark has scored 30 points twice in her last five outings, establishing herself as one of the league’s most formidable interior forces. The Hawks hold a slight edge in the conference standings and will look to protect their home court. Beyond Barnes, Maryland-Eastern Shore has gotten consistent production from Lainey Allen and Dayshawna Carter. Norfolk State, seeking to avenge its narrow January loss, will rely on Clark and supporting contributors like Jasha Clinton and Carmen Kweti to control the paint and slow the Hawks’ momentum. Thursday’s matchup is critical for both teams jockeying for position ahead of the MEAC tournament next month. Tipoff is set for 5:30 p.m. EST.