Hampton 61, Norfolk State 53

Guard Deron Powers scored 23 points and Hampton took a giant step toward securing a first round bye in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament with a 61-53 victory over Norfolk State.

Guard Du’Vaughn Maxwell added 12 points and nine rebounds for Hampton (17-11, 12-3 in the MEAC), which won its sixth game in a row and ninth in its last 10.

Guard Malcolm Hawkins and center Brandon Goode each had 12 points to lead Norfolk State, which turned the ball over 25 times.

Hampton moved into sole possession of second place in the MEAC with the victory, while Norfolk State dropped to a third-place tie with Morgan State.

The top three seeded teams receive first-round byes in the conference tournament, which begins March 10.

Hampton led, 25-23, at halftime.