NSU Spartans stop Coppin State after another late scare

BALTIMORE, Maryland  --  Norfolk State has made a habit of building a sizeable, second-half lead, only to make things very uncomfortable before escaping with a victory.

The Spartans were at it again Saturday at Coppin State. For much of the contest, they pushed the Eagles around inside and made outside shots. They were on the verge of a blowout at the Physical Education Complex.

Then, the turnover-plagued Spartans wobbled late again. But after nearly blowing an 18-point advantage, Norfolk State regrouped behind its defense and junior guard Pendarvis Williams for an 80-70 victory before an announced crowd of 3,342.

Norfolk State (13-10, 8-0) remained in first place in the MEAC with its seventh consecutive victory, while handing Coppin State (5-18, 2-6) its ninth defeat in 11 games.

After taking a 35-25 lead at halftime, then turning that into a 64-46 bulge with 7:30 left, the Spartans - thanks to a portion of its 24 turnovers - had to hold off late-charging Coppin, which went on a 22-10 run to pull to within 74-68 with 1:20 to go.

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