Norfolk State coach demands more respect for Spartans after competitive loss to heavily favored Maryland

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Norfolk State entered Saturday's matchup against Maryland in the women's NCAA Tournament as considerable underdogs. But the Spartans pushed the Terrapins well into the fourth quarter before losing 82-69.

The first-round game got off to a surprising start with Norfolk State scoring the game's first seven points. The historically black university located in Virginia also entered the locker room with a 32-30 lead at halftime. 

The underdog Spartans trailed by just four points early in the fourth quarter.

Despite losing to Maryland, longtime Norfolk State head coach Larry Vickers said his team showed it deserved better.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Norfolk State head coach Larry Vickers during the second half against Maryland in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 22, 2025, in College Park, Md.  (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

"This group won 30 games this year, 27 games last year, 26 games the year before, and we still walk into these things having to get respect from the three people on the floor," the Norfolk State coach said. "I’m not going to complain about officiating. That’s not what I’m going to do. But when you all see these Spartan heads in your gym, I think we should get a little bit more respect than we get."

NCAA WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT 2025: TOP MOMENTS FROM DAY 2

Maryland did have a strong third quarter, making all 12 of its free throws.

"I’m not saying we didn’t foul because it was a large moment. We were probably fouling. I’ve got to watch the film," he said. "But you can’t send teams to the free throw line — especially as good shooters as they were."

Norfolk State guard Diamond