TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Chakowby Hicks scored 20 points and Tony Murphy added 16 as Norfolk State beat Florida A&M 61-54 on Saturday.
Hicks had six assists, while Murphy was 3-of-5 from the 3-point range as Norfolk State shot 7-of-15 beyond the arc.
The Rattlers (7-12, 5-6 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) trailed since 9:25 left in the first half, but cut Norfolk State's (9-10, 7-4) lead to six at 60-54, its smallest deficit of the second half, on Jon Mason's 3-pointer from the wing with 42.4 seconds left.
The Spartans held on despite going 1-of-6 on free throws in the final minute. Ryan Grier's free throw with 7.2 seconds left sealed the game.
After trailing 14-12, Norfolk State closed the first half with a 21-8 run, including 15 consecutive points at one point, to lead 33-22 at halftime.
Darius Glover and Tony Tate led Florida A&M with 12 points each. O.J. Sumter had 10 for the Rattlers.
Center Karandick Ogunride led all players with 11 rebounds as Norfolk State outrebounded the Rattlers 36-24.
