DATE: Wednesday, February 26, 1997          TAG: 9702260695

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C4   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.               LENGTH:   42 lines

NSU'S FORTUNES GO DOWN TO THE LINE

Norfolk State's farewell tour nearly became a short one.

The Spartanettes needed late free-throw shooting and solid defense to knock off Shaw 72-68 in the quarterfinals of the CIAA women's basketball tournament. The Spartanettes (20-7), which expect to compete in Division I next season, play the Fayetteville State-Virginia Union winner at noon Friday.

``We could have put it away early if we had hit our free throws,'' said NSU center Michelle Sessoms, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. ``But we played good defense and made the free throws down the stretch.''

Norfolk State was 6 of 14 (43 percent) from the foul line in the second half but shot 64 percent (16 for 25) after intermission.

Shaw (15-13), which trailed for most of the first 25 minutes, took a 53-46 lead with under 12 minutes to go. Sharmane Koonce, who finished with a game-high 21 points, hit five treys in the second half as the Lady Bears took temporary control. However, NSU battled back and the teams were tied going into the final two minutes.

Tarsha Bowers then gave the Spartanettes the lead for good with two free throws with 1:57 remaining for a 68-66 lead.

Shaw still had opportunities in the final minute but stopped doing what got it back in the contest - fire up the outside shot.

Down 71-68 with under 20 seconds left, the Lady Bears took a jumper that was rebounded by Sessoms. Then, down by four, Shaw attempted another two-point basket instead of going for a 3-pointer.

``We wanted to get a quick two because everyone was hesitant to shoot the 3,'' Shaw coach Bobby Sanders said. ``We wanted to hit a two and put their worst shooters on the line.''

However, NSU coach James Sweat was well aware of the Lady Bears' strategy.

``A lot of people take the quick ones so we wanted to guard against the three,'' Sweat said.

And at the same time, advance to the next round of the tournament. ILLUSTRATION: VP Graphic

CIAA WOMEN'S BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

For copy of graphic, see microfilm

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