Dec. 1, 2011

Final Stats

NORFOLK, VA- Marquie Cooke and Angelo Sharpless both netted double figures as the Elizabeth City State University Vikings upset Division I Norfolk State University 69-57 Wednesday night at Echols Hall.

Cooke finished with a team high 18 points while Sharpless finished with 17. It was the Vikings' first matchup with NSU since February 15, 1997 where ECSU won 76-73, the Spartans' last year before they moved to Division I.

The Vikings held NSU to 57 points which ties their season low and came in a two point loss to Marquette University. ECSU's defense was relentless throughout the contest holding the Spartans to a season low 37% shooting while forcing them into a season worst 34 turnovers.

The Spartans jumped out to an early 14-2 lead after hitting their first four shots, three of which were 3-pointers, from the field and going 3-3 from the free throw line. The Vikings went on a tear, responding with a 24 straight points while Norfolk State, (4-3) frustrated by the ECSU's pesky defense was held scoreless during the Viking run. Two free throws by Kyle O'Quinn broke the Spartan 10:14 drought and they got their first basket from the floor with 4:31 left in the half. ECSU's led by as many as 15 in the first half and held a 36-24 advantage at the intermission.

The Spartans challenged in the second half cutting the lead to eight on two occasions, the last coming with 1:44 left in the game on a Pendarvis Williams jumper. An ensuing turnover and basket would have cut the lead to six but O'Quinn's dunk attempt wedged between the rim and the backboard, giving the Vikings the ball back on the alternating possession.

The Vikings closed out the game at the free throw line going 6-8 over the final 90 seconds of the contest.

ECSU (4-1) will travel Barton College to participate in the 45-Second Classic December 2-3. They will face Mount Olive Friday at 5:30 and will take on Barton College Saturday at 4:00pm. For more information visit www.ecsuvikings.com and follow us on Twitter @ECSUVikings.