Baltimore, Md. - Coppin State (4-9, 1-0) dominated Norfolk State (0-12, 0-2) in their MEAC home opener, 69-44, on Monday, January 4
th in the PEC Arena. Four Eagles finished in double figures led by
Keena Samuels' 13 points and
Omaah Tayong's 12 points with 12 rebounds.
Keena Samuels scored nine first half points in the Eagles conference home opener against Norfolk State. Samuels made 4-of-5 field goals as CSU shot 38% (13-34) from the field in the opening half. Coppin State held Norfolk State to six made field goals in the first half and only six points in the second quarter. The Eagles built a double digit advantage early in the second period and used their defensive pressure to sustain a 32-16 halftime lead.
Coppin State improved their shooting in the second half anchored by their post play.
Janelle Lane scored all eight of her points in the second half while
Jordan Swails added six points. The key to CSU's 25 point win was
Omaah Tayong. Tayong propelled the Eagles to victory with seven second half rebounds including five offensive boards. Norfolk State trailed by as many as 27 points down the stretch.
The Spartans were led by Koryn Lawrence's nine points and five steals. Norfolk State was forced into 20 turnovers and only attempted six free throws.
Coppin State blocked a season-high seven shots led by the trio of
Janelle Lane,
Jordan Swails, and
Omaah Tayong whom all recorded two blocks each.
Genesis Lucas dished out a season-high six assists and had four steals to go along with her 11 points.
Omaah Tayong tallied her second consecutive double-double posting 12 points and 12 rebounds. Tayong finished 6-for-12 from the field and also grabbed six offensive rebounds.
Amber Griffin scored ten points but more importantly moved into second place on the all-time leaders list in assist at Coppin State. Griffin had two assists totaling 328 career assists.
Coppin State will return to action for its first MEAC road game of the season when the team travels to Washington D.C. to take on Howard Saturday afternoon January 9 in Burr Gymnasium with tipoff at 2:00 p.m.
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