Ron Timus was a spark off the bench as he led the Bears with 14 points.
BALTIMORE, Md. -- The Morgan State Bears successfully protected home court in exciting fashion as they defeated the Spartans of Norfolk State 55-51 at Hill Field House before 2,122 fans.
The Bears extend to a four-game winning streak and move into 5th place in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Morgan State (7-11, 5-3) got a tremendous effort from junior forward Ron Timus. The Washington D.C. native managed to lead the Bears by scoring 10 of his team-high 14 points in the second half. Timus finished the game a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and also collected five rebounds.
MSU held a 31-26 lead at the intermission, but the Spartans opened up the second half of play by vaulting out on an 11-2 run. Ryan Grier's 3-pointer with 12:03 remaining increased the Spartans lead to 37-33.
The Bears answered with a run of its own as they outscored the Spartans 16-4 over the next six minutes. Senior guard Chris Grant found Alfonso Evans open for a jumper in the paint that gave the Bears its largest lead of the game at 49-41 with 5:35 left to go.
NSU (8-9, 6-3) made it interesting down the stretch as Chakowby Hicks and Arman Massago scored the Spartans final eight points and trimmed the Bears lead to 52-51 with 1:15 left to play.
The Spartans had an opportunity to take the lead when Hicks rebounded a missed 3-pointer by Karanvir Aujla but was called for traveling with 45 seconds left on the clock. Sam Brand and Timus converted clutch free throws in the closing seconds as the Bears were able to hold on for a 55-51 victory.
The Bears had a solid night on defense as they pestered the Spartans into shooting 30 percent (14-46 FG) from the field and 35 percent from 3-point territory (5-14 3FG). MSU had one of its worst efforts from beyond the arc as they connected on just 1-of-18 (5.6%) 3-pointers.
Aaron Andrews was the only other Bear to score in double-figures as he poured 10 points in the first half, but did not play in the second half due to a medical condition. Grant finished with a game-high five assists and chipped in seven points.
NSU's Chakowby Hicks finished with a double-double as he posted a game-high 19 points and 11 rebounds. Ryan Grier added 12 points and 6 rebounds.
Morgan's next game will be on the road when they will attempt to maintain its winning streak when they tip-off against the Hampton Pirates. Tip-off is scheduled for Monday, January 31 at 7:30 p.m.
