S.C. State Takes on Norfolk State in Key MEAC Showdown
By BRIAN LINDER, T&D Sports EditorSaturday, February 23, 2008The South Carolina State men’s and women's basketball team will host Norfolk State University in a key Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference doubleheader, beginning with the women's contest at 1 p.m. The men's contest will be televised live on ESPN Classic and will follow at 4 p.m.
First-year head coach Tim Carter and the Bulldogs (9-17, 5-7) snapped a three-game losing streak with a much-needed win, 71-64, over Howard on Monday. SC State will try to avenge a 97-71 loss to the Spartans on Jan 26.
The Norfolk State Spartans (14-10, 10-2) one the hottest teams in the conference, won its fifth straight game on Monday, 68-61, over Maryland-Eastern Shore.
SC State is led by JUCO transfer Jason Johnson (11.5 ppg, 7 rpg). Sophomore guard Jessie Burton is second in scoring (9.7 ppg and 80 assists), followed by sophomore guard Jason Flagler (9.6 ppg 5.7 rpg) one of only three veterans from the 2006-07 season seeing a lot of action this year.
The SC State women's team (10-13, 7-5) will be looking for its third straight victory when they take on the Lady Spartans (4-18, 1-11). Coach Tonya Mackey's team posted big wins last week over Hampton (64-61) and Howard (106-78).
The Lady Bulldogs are led by sophomore guard Sophilia Hipps (14.3 ppg, 3.7 rpg). Sophomore center Marie Reid is second in scoring (13.1 ppg, 4.4 rpg.), followed by junior center Jenell Moore (9.9 ppg, 9.6 rpg).
SCSU will celebrate its annual YOUTH/GREEK Day on Saturday, with a special presentation by the Nationally Recognized Double Dutch Force from Columbia, SC. All youth 17 and under and other college students with ID will be admitted for $2. A $250 prize will be given away halftime of the men’s and women’s game to the fraternity and sorority with the most spirit.
