NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — The Norfolk State Spartans will look to build on their most dominant performance of the season when they host the Morgan State Bears in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference women’s basketball matchup on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Echols Hall.

Norfolk State (8-11, 3-1 MEAC) is coming off an 85-41 road rout of South Carolina State on Saturday, a game in which junior guard Da’Brya Clark exploded for a season-high 30 points, five assists and two blocks. Clark has been a consistent force, averaging 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds and 5.3 assists over her last four contests. Her all-around play will be central to the Spartans’ efforts as they seek their third consecutive conference victory.

Morgan State (3-17, 2-2) arrives with momentum from a narrow 61-59 road win at Delaware State, snapping a two-game skid. The Bears are led by guard Mihjae Hayes, who posted 12 points and six assists in that victory. Hayes has been a key facilitator, dishing out 26 assists over her last five games. Supporting scorers Kailyn Nash and Gabrielle Johnson, who each added 11 points against Delaware State, will need to provide offensive punch for a team that has struggled to score consistently this season.

The matchup presents a contrast in trajectories. Norfolk State has found its footing in MEAC play, while Morgan State, despite its overall record, has shown recent competitiveness within the conference. The Spartans won both meetings last season by an average of 22.5 points.

Defensively, Norfolk State will aim to disrupt Hayes’ playmaking and force the Bears into a half-court game. Morgan State must contain Clark’s multifaceted offensive attack and find scoring beyond Hayes to challenge the Spartans at home.

Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. EST. Norfolk State will host Coppin State on Saturday, while Morgan State travels to face Howard.