Norfolk State Stuns Missouri in Historic 57-54 Victory

COLUMBIA, Mo. — The Norfolk State women’s basketball team etched its name in history Sunday afternoon with a thrilling 57-54 win over Missouri at Mizzou Arena. The triumph pushed the Spartans to an impressive 3-0 start and marked their first-ever victory over an SEC program and their first win against a Power Five opponent since the 1979-80 season.

Graduate guard Diamond Johnson spearheaded Norfolk State’s attack with a commanding performance, recording 17 points, four assists, and two steals. Senior forward Kierra Wheeler and graduate guard Niya Fields chipped in 14 points, each delivering key contributions in crunch time.

Missouri (1-2) fought valiantly behind sophomore guard Abbey Schreacke, who notched a team-high 15 points—all from beyond the arc—matching her career-best with five triples. Graduate forward Angelique Ngalakulondi added 14 points, 12 of which came in the second half, while senior forward Laniah Randle narrowly missed a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds.

Game Recap

The Tigers opened with a quick 7-3 lead, but Norfolk State responded with a 5-0 run to take its first lead late in the first quarter, capped by a clutch three-pointer from Fields. The Spartans carried a slim 13-12 advantage into the second quarter.

Missouri’s defensive intensity initially stifled Norfolk State in the second frame, but Wheeler’s first three-pointer of the season reignited the Spartans. A late surge led by Fields and Anjanae Richardson extended NSU’s lead to 26-21, forcing a Missouri timeout. The Tigers trimmed the deficit to three at halftime, 26-23.

Norfolk State opened the second half with momentum, building their largest lead of the game at 33-25 following a fast-break layup from Wheeler. Missouri, however, refused to go quietly, closing the third quarter on a 7-2 run to pull within two points, 42-40.

The final quarter featured a flurry of lead changes and pivotal moments. Schreacke’s sharpshooting from deep helped Missouri claw back into contention, with three consecutive triples giving the Tigers a late edge at 53-51. Norfolk State’s composure shone through in the closing moments, as a decisive layup by Wheeler with 43 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the Spartans. Missouri’s final attempt to tie the game fell short as Schreacke’s buzzer-beating three-pointer missed its mark.

Key Takeaways

Missouri excelled from beyond the arc, converting 47% of their three-point attempts compared to Norfolk State’s 35%. However, the Spartans’ grit and timely execution in the paint—combined with their defensive resilience—proved to be the difference-maker. NSU capitalized on key turnovers and maintained composure in high-pressure moments, which will serve them well as they continue their promising season.

For Missouri, the loss showcased the potential of Schreacke and Ngalakulondi as offensive anchors. Despite the setback, the Tigers showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their perimeter shooting and rebounding efforts.

What’s Next

Norfolk State will look to keep their undefeated streak alive as they head into conference play, carrying the momentum of this landmark victory. Conversely, Missouri will aim to regroup and refine its game plan as it prepares for its next challenge.

This historic win for Norfolk State underscores their growth as a program and sets the stage for what could be a special season for the Spartans. For Missouri, the loss is a reminder of the competitive nature of college basketball and the lessons learned in adversity. As the season unfolds, both teams will undoubtedly build on the highs and lows of this unforgettable contest.