BUIES CREEK, N.C. – Camille Downs recorded a double-double of 19 points and 11 rebounds off the bench to spark Norfolk State to its first 2-0 start in 10 years after a 65-49 win over Campbell on Thursday night at Gore Arena.
Downs hit 8-of-12 from the floor to lead three players in double figures for NSU, which shot 46.7 percent from the floor and forced 23 Campbell turnovers.
Mahoganie Williams added 14 points and nine boards while
Deja Francis scored 11 for the Spartans.
There were three lead-changes in the first quarter, but NSU held the Camels (1-1) scoreless for the final three and half minutes of the period. NSU outscored Campbell 8-1 in that stretch and led 17-11 after one quarter.
The Spartans, who led by four at halftime, began to widen their lead with a 7-0 run early in the third quarter.
Niya Fields capped that run with a 3-pointer to put NSU up by nine. A short time later, Williams scored off a feed from
Tatiana Jones to give the Spartans their first double-digit lead of the half at 45-34.
NSU put the game away with its defense, hold Campbell to 28.6 percent shooting in the final quarter.
Downs and Williams combined for 21 points and 11 rebounds in the second half. NSU held a 37-27 edge on the glass on Thursday night, including a +8 advantage in the second half.
Jones chipped in six points and six rebounds for the Spartans, and
Lacee Savage posted five points, five rebounds and four of NSU's 13 steals.
Crystal White added three steals.
NSU's last 2-0 start came in the 2011-12 season after wins over Texas Southern and Chowan.
Shy Tuelle led Campbell with 15 points. The Camels shot just 37.8 percent from the floor on the night.
The Spartans remain on the road for their first two matchups ever against Big 10 teams, starting with a date Sunday at No. 25 Ohio State.
