Norfolk State's championship streak ends in MEAC finale loss to Howard

Clinton leads Spartans, but Howard claims MEAC championship

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:06am

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Norfolk State's bid for a fourth consecutive Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Tournament title came up short Saturday as top-seeded Howard defeated the Spartans 53-46. Norfolk State fell to 18-14 with the loss, while Howard improved to 26-7 and captured the MEAC championship.

Why it matters

Norfolk State had won the MEAC tournament three years in a row, making this loss a significant end to their championship streak. The MEAC is an important conference for historically Black colleges and universities, so this outcome is noteworthy for the schools and their basketball programs.

The details

Jasha Clinton led the Spartans with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Anjanae Richardson also reached double figures with 10 points, and Carmen Kweti anchored the boards with 13 rebounds. Norfolk State grabbed an early 9-8 lead, but Howard closed the first quarter on a 7-1 run to take a 16-9 advantage. The Spartans responded in the second quarter with a 7-0 run to tie the game, but Howard answered to send the teams into halftime tied. Howard seized control in the third quarter, opening the half with a 6-2 run and stretching their lead to as many as 11 points in the fourth quarter before Norfolk State made a late push.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 15, 2026.

The players

Jasha Clinton

A player for Norfolk State who led the Spartans with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.

Anjanae Richardson

A player for Norfolk State who scored 10 points.

Carmen Kweti

A player for Norfolk State who had 13 rebounds.

Cire Worley

A player for Norfolk State who hit two 3-pointers.

Da'Brya Clark

A player for Norfolk State who hit a 3-pointer in the fourth quarter.

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The takeaway

Norfolk State's three-year championship streak in the MEAC tournament has come to an end, as they fell to Howard 53-46 in the conference finals. This loss is significant for the Spartans, who had dominated the MEAC in recent years, but were unable to capture their fourth straight title against a tough Howard team.