NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — In a taut Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference clash that saw 14 lead changes and neither team lead by more than eight points, the Howard Bison used a decisive second-half surge to secure an 84-76 victory over the Norfolk State Spartans on Thursday night at Echols Hall.

A crowd of 4,165 watched as the Bison, led by a game-high 22 points from guard Cam Gillus, improved to 21-10 overall and strengthened their position in the conference standings. The Spartans, despite 22 points from forward Devon Ellis, fell to 15-16.

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip, with both teams trading baskets and the lead throughout a first half that ended in a 39-39 deadlock. Norfolk State’s Ellis was a force early, scoring 10 of his points in the first period, while Howard’s Bryce Harris provided an early spark with 11 first-half points.

The most critical sequence of the game unfolded early in the second half. With the score tied at 45, Howard embarked on a 13-3 run over a three-minute span to seize control. The burst was fueled by defensive stops and timely shooting. Gillus, the 5-foot-10 guard from Falls Church, Virginia, ignited the run with a 3-pointer, and forward Alex Cotton capped it with another triple, giving the Bison a 58-48 advantage with 15:39 remaining.

Norfolk State refused to wilt, chipping away at the deficit behind Ellis and guard Elijah Jamison, who finished with 15 points. The Spartans trimmed Howard’s lead to just two points on multiple occasions down the stretch, the last coming at 70-68 with just over four minutes to play.

Each time the Spartans threatened, Howard had an answer. Following a Jamison layup that made it 74-72 with 2:42 left, the Bison executed a crucial play out of a timeout. Gillus drove and dished to a cutting Cedric Taylor for a layup to push the lead back to four. After a Norfolk State turnover, Gillus found Harris for a thunderous dunk that extended the margin to 78-72 with 1:40 on the clock, effectively sealing the outcome.

Howard’s composure at the free-throw line in the final minute, where Ose Okojie made four straight attempts, closed the door on any last Spartan hopes.

Gillus, Howard’s top performer, added four assists to his 22 points in 35 minutes, orchestrating the offense during the game’s pivotal moments. He was supported by a balanced attack: Harris scored 18 points, Taylor added 11 points and three assists, and Okojie chipped in 12 points, including those critical late free throws.

For Norfolk State, Ellis’s efficient 22-point effort on 10-of-14 shooting was complemented by 14 points and four assists from Anthony McComb. The Spartans struggled to contain Howard’s backcourt penetration and were outscored 45-37 in the second half.

The victory completed a regular-season sweep for Howard over Norfolk State, having previously defeated the Spartans 88-60 in Washington on Jan. 31. It also marked the Bison’s fourth consecutive win as they head into the final stretch of conference play with momentum.

The game defied the pregame statistical projections, which slightly favored the home Spartans. Howard, however, covered the spread as a five-point favorite, and the combined score of 160 points sailed over the posted over/under line of 148.

Both teams conclude their regular seasons this weekend before heading to the MEAC tournament.