- Omar Croskey erupts for 30 points to lead No. 2 South Carolina State past No. 6 NC Central
- Bulldogs extend win streak to nine games with 88-67 semifinal victory
- Davion Everett (16 points) and Colin McKenzie (14 points) provide critical support
- South Carolina State to face top-seeded Norfolk State in MEAC championship game
In a commanding display of offensive firepower, South Carolina State secured its ninth consecutive victory Friday night, overpowering North Carolina Central 88-67 in the MEAC Tournament semifinals. The Bulldogs' triumph sets up a highly anticipated championship clash with conference heavyweight Norfolk State, offering both a conference title and potential NCAA Tournament berth at stake.
Omar Croskey delivered a career-defining performance, dominating from tip-off with 19 first-half points that propelled South Carolina State to a commanding 54-25 halftime advantage. The sophomore guard's explosive scoring display saw him convert multiple three-pointers and attack the rim with relentless efficiency, finishing the night with 30 points – his third 30+ point game this season.
While Croskey spearheaded the offense, the Bulldogs demonstrated why they've become the MEAC's hottest team through balanced contributions. Davion Everett's physical interior presence yielded 16 points on 63% shooting, while sharpshooter Colin McKenzie drained all four three-point attempts en route to 14 points. This multifaceted attack overwhelmed an NC Central squad that entered the tournament riding momentum from their quarterfinal upset.
The Eagles showed flashes of resilience in the second half, outscoring South Carolina State 42-34 behind Perry Smith Jr.'s team-high 20 points and nine rebounds. However, the Bulldogs' early 29-point cushion proved insurmountable despite NC Central's late push. South Carolina State's defense forced 14 turnovers while holding their opponents to 41% field goal shooting – key factors in maintaining control throughout the contest.
As the Bulldogs prepare for Saturday's championship battle, three critical insights emerge. First, their nine-game win streak reflects improved defensive communication – opponents average 12% fewer assists during this stretch. Second, MEAC teams reaching the conference final have secured NCAA Tournament bids in 7 of the last 10 seasons, raising the stakes significantly. Finally, Norfolk's Scope Arena provides a unique home-court advantage for the host Spartans, who went 12-2 at this venue during the regular season.
Regional Impact: The MEAC Tournament's return to Norfolk continues driving economic benefits for Virginia's Coastal region. Local hotels reported 92% occupancy rates during the event, while downtown restaurants saw 35% higher foot traffic compared to non-tournament weekends. This economic boost underscores the growing importance of mid-major conference tournaments to host cities.
With championship aspirations on the line, South Carolina State must contain Norfolk State's top-ranked MEAC defense that allows just 65.3 points per game. The Bulldogs' high-octane offense (78.1 PPG during win streak) versus the Spartans' stifling defense creates a compelling tactical showdown. A victory would mark South Carolina State's first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2021, potentially positioning them as a dangerous mid-major threat in March Madness.