Estimated read time: Less than a minute
NORFOLK, Va. — Christian Ings scored 16 points, including the go-ahead free throw with eight seconds left, and top-seeded Norfolk State held off a wild rally by No. 2-seed South Carolina State for a 66-65 victory in the MEAC Tournament championship game. Norfolk State advances to the NCAA Tournament for the third time since 2021. Norfolk State led 64-59 with 57 seconds left before South Carolina State forced three turnovers and tied the game at 65 with 10 seconds left. The Bulldogs' Caleb McCarty, who apparently did not realize the game was tied, fouled Ings with eight seconds left. Ings made one free throw for the 66-65 lead and Jayden Johnson's jumper with one second left was off the mark. A desperation tip by the Bulldogs was also off the mark.
