Norfolk State beats Coppin State 99-81

BALTIMORE (AP) RaShid Gaston posted a double-double, scoring a career-best 30 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, as Norfolk State beat Coppin State 99-81 on Saturday.

Gaston finished with 11-of-15 shooting from the field and 8-of-9 from the line for the Spartans (17-11, 10-3 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference). D'Shon Taylor added 23 points and eight rebounds, Malik Thomas had 21 points and Jeffrey Short chipped in 13. The team hit 61.8 percent from the field overall, 88 percent from the line and outrebounded Coppin State 36-24.

Norfolk State led 39-36 at the break and started the second half on a 12-9 run to a 51-45 advantage with 15:30 to play. The Spartans outscored Coppin State 60-45 in the second half and cruised to the win.

Sterling Smith led the Eagles (6-21, 5-9) with 28 points. Christian Kessee and Daquan Brickhouse added 13 points apiece.