Norfolk signed a matchup with Maryland in the Women's NCAA Tournament on Saturday as a pretty underdog. However, the Spartans pushed Terrapin well in the fourth quarter before losing 82-69.
The first round of the game got off to an astonishing start with Norfolk State scoring the first seven points of the game. Virginia's historically black colleges also entered the locker room with a 32-30 lead at halftime.
The underdog Spartan dragged just four points early in the fourth quarter.
Despite losing to Maryland, longtime Norfolk State head coach Larry Vickers said his team showed it deserves better value.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Norfolk State head coach Larry Vickers took place at College Park, Maryland, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, Maryland. (AP Photo/Terrans Williams)
“The group won 30 games this year, 27 games last year and 26 games last year, but we still walk the things we have to gain respect from the three people on the floor,” the Norfolk coach said. “I'm not going to complain about the host. That's not what I'm trying to do. But when you see these Spartan heads at your gym, I think we should have a little more respect than we get.”
NCAA Women's Tournament 2025: Top Moment from Day 2
Maryland had a strong third quarter and made all 12 free throws.
“I'm not saying we didn't foul because it was a big moment. We were probably fouling. I've got to watch the movie,” he said. “But you can't send your team to the free throw line, especially as good shooters as they.”
Norfolk Guard Diamond Johnson (3) shoots Maryland Guard Salatevias (1) in the first half of the NCAA Tournament at College Park, Maryland. Saturday, March 22nd, 2025. (AP Photo/Terrans Williams)
For the game, Norfolk was histted for 21 fouls for Maryland, with the Terps 23 out of 25 from the line. It was a key factor, but the Vickers had suggested that his team deserved some of the responsibility.
A game ball with the March Madness logo in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament held at Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge on March 22, 2025. (Beau Brune/NCAA photo via Getty Images)
“I'm not saying the host has lost that game,” he said. “We fouled, and we fouled, and we fouled, and we fouled, and we fouled, and we fouled the jump shooter and we fouled a little more.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
The Vickers also praised guard Diamond Johnson, who scored 18 points on Saturday, opposed her perception of dropping WNBA draft stock.
“I saw her go from the seventh time in the first round and when she got to me I dropped a drop-and-drop-and-drop, but I don't know why,” Vickers said. “She needs to be on the list of all Mid Mayor finalists, all Dawn Staley Award winners finalists, all Nancy Lieberman finalists. She's very special.”
After spending the last nine seasons in Norfolk, the Vickers were asked about the future of his coaching after all the successes they achieved at school. That's why he didn't provide much insight.
“We all have a vision and a goal,” he said. “I don't know. I don't know. I don't know.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital's Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
