Norfolk State entered Saturday’s Matchup against Maryland in the women’s NCAA tournament as significant lower dogs. But the Spartans pushed Terrapins far into the fourth quarter before losing 82-69.
The first round game started a surprising start with Norfolk State scoring the game’s first seven points. The historically black university located in Virginia also entered the dressing room with a 32-30 lead at the break.
The underdog spartans drew only four points early in the fourth quarter.
Despite losing to Maryland, many years of Norfolk State said head coach Larry Vickers that his team showed it deserved better.
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Norfolk State Main coach Larry Vickers during the second half against Maryland in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Saturday, March 22, 2025 in College Park, MD. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
“This group won 30 games this year, 27 games last year, 26 games the year before, and we are still going into these things that will get respect from the three people on the floor,” said Norfolk State Coach. “I don’t want to complain about officating. That’s not what I have to do. But when you all see these Spartan heads in your gym, I think we should get a little more respect than we get.”
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Maryland had a strong third quarter, making all 12 of its free throw.
“I’m not saying we didn’t cry because it was a big moment. We were probably caught up. I have to watch the movie,” he said. “But you can’t send teams to the free throwing line – especially as good shooters as they were.”
Norfolk State Guard Diamond Johnson (3) shoots over Maryland Guard Sarah Te-Biasu (1) during the first half of the first round of the NCAA tournament in College Park, MD. Saturday, March 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
For the game, Norfolk State was whistled for 21 violations to Maryland’s 12, and Terps went 23 of 25 off the line. It was a significant factor, though Vickers suggested that his team deserved some of the blame.
A game ball with the March Madness logo during the first round of 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Pete Maravich Assembly Center March 22, 2025 in Baton Rouge. (Beau Brune/NCAA -Photos via Getty Images)
“I’m not saying the official lost us that game,” he said. “We went. And we were going for a stake. And we got stepped. And we were getting rid of. And we gave jump -shooting games, and we gave jump -shooting games more.”
Vickers also praised the guard Diamond Johnson, who scored 18 points on Saturday and pushed back against her who perceived dropping WNBA draft.
“I’ve seen her go from seventh in the first round when she came to me, and drop and drop and fall and drop, and I don’t know why,” Vickers said. “She has to be on every mid-major finalist list, every Dawn Staley Award winner finalist list, every Nancy Lieberman finalist list. She’s super special.”
Vickers, who has spent the last nine seasons in Norfolk State, was asked about his coaching future after all the success he has achieved at school. On it he did not give much insight.
“We all have visions and goals,” he said. “I don’t know. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
