Morgan State University Athletics

BALTIMORE, Md.  – Kyle O'Quinn scored 24 points to help lead the Norfolk State Spartans to a 76-74 upset victory over the Morgan State Bears Saturday afternoon in an ESPNU nationally televised game.

Rob Hampton tallied 19 points for Norfolk State (6-13, 4-3), which got 15 points from Pendarvis Williams and 11 points from Aleek Pauline.

DeWayne Jackson poured in a team-high 19 points in the loss for Morgan State (9-9, 5-2), who suffered its first conference home loss since falling to South Carolina State 71-68 on February 15, 2010; Coincidentally, that game was also during an ESPNU televised matchup at Hill Field House.

The Bears also received 16 points from Aric Brooks (10-11 FT) and 13 points with a game-high nine boards from Kevin Thompson. Larry Bastfield added a season-high 10 points.

Norfolk State held a 29-27 halftime lead by shooting 42.3 percent from the field (11-26) and 4-of-8 from three-point territory in the first half.

The Spartans held a 57-49 lead with 8:51 remaining when Pauline dished to Williams to complete their fourth layup during a four minute stretch.

Morgan freshman Justin Black helped energize the crowd when he connected with DeWayne Jackson for an alley-oop dunk that brought the Bear faithful to their feet.  Brooks completed a conventional three-point play that trimmed Norfolk State's lead to 59-56 with 6:30 left to go.

The Spartans responded with a 10-5 mini run and pushed their lead back eight (70-62), and went on to hand the Bears its second conference loss of the season. 

Morgan State held a 33-25 advantage on the boards, but was outscored in the paint by a 38-34 margin.

Norfolk State shot a blistering 54 percent (26-48) for the game, and made 15-of-22 shots in the second half.  The Bears shot 42 percent (21-49) from the field and was 3-for-7 from beyond the arc.

The Bears will continue their MEAC schedule when they host the Aggies of North Carolina A&T on Monday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at Hill Field House.