It came down to the wire, but Norfolk State made enough plays down the stretch to hold off Howard University for its second-consecutive MEAC title.
NSU beat Howard 51-46 as the two teams matched up in the title game for the third consecutive year.
The two teams were tied at 41 with just over five minutes to go. Both teams went on runs, but NSU was able to hit its free throws and put the game out of reach in the final seconds.
Diamond Johnson was named MEAC Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Johnson recorded 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists in the win. Her teammate, Kierra Wheeler, came up big as well. The MEAC Player of the Year led Norfolk State with a 22-point, 15-rebound double-double on Saturday.
This marks the first time the Norfolk State women have won back-to-back MEAC Tournament titles. The last time NSU won back-to-back titles was in 1995 and 1996 as a member of the CIAA.
Norfolk State improved to 27-5 overall, 13-1 in MEAC play as it brought home the regular season title as well.
The Spartans will now await their NCAA Tournament assignment. The field will be revealed by the tournament committee at 8 p.m. on Sunday evening.