NORFOLK, Va.- Norfolk State overcame a 13-point deficit and held on to defeat Savannah State 85-77 in a game played at Echols Hall before a crowd of 1,726.

The loss snaps the Tigers nine game winning streak.

A 3-pointer by Alante Fenner gave Savannah State a 44-31 lead early in the second period but the Spartans responded as they scored 12 straight points as part of a 26-9 run that gave them a 57-53 edge at the 11:37 mark.

With ten minutes remaining Norfolk State led 61-56 but SSU scored seven straight points to go ahead 63-61 with 7:32 left.

A layup by Nic Thomas tied the contest at 63 and NSU added a layup and free throw from Thomas and a 3-pointer by Steven Whitley to go ahead 69-63.

Savannah State was able to whittle their deficit down to 75-73 with 2:56 showing after a pair of free throws by Fenner but consecutive 3-pointers by Derrick Jamerson kick-started a 9-0 run that put NSU ahead 84-73 with 37 seconds remaining.

Dexter McClanahn led SSU with a game-high 19 points. McClanahan made three 3-pointers which moved him into fourth place in school history with 145 made 3-pointers.

Fenner contributed 18 points while Zach Sellers had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

The Tigers (13-14, 10-2 MEAC) shot 31.1 percent from the floor, made 12 three-pointers and made 19 of 23 free throw attempts.

In the first half, Norfolk State led 13-5 but SSU rallied to take a 19-17 lead with 10:14 left after a 3-pointer by McClanahan.

The Spartans led 27-26 with 3:19 on the clock but Savannah State closed the half with a 15-2 run to take a 41-29 lead into intermission.

NSU (10-17, 8-4 MEAC) out-rebounded the Tigers 57 to 36.

Jamerson had 17 points and six rebounds for Norfolk State.

The Spartans, who made 24 turnovers, shot 45.2 percent from the field, 19 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the free throw line.