NORFOLK, Va. (AP) Chris McEachin and Pendarvis Williams scored 16 points apiece and the Norfolk State defense turned in a tough effort in the Spartans' fifth straight win, 68-48 over Howard on Monday night.

The win helps the Spartans (12-5, 4-0 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) to their best MEAC start since 2004-05.

Norfolk State held Howard (4-14, 1-4) to 27 percent shooting and forced 18 Bison turnovers. The 48 points and 27 percent-shooting by Howard are the second-lowest marks by a Norfolk State opponent this season.

The Spartans never trailed and there was just one tie, at 2-all. Norfolk State scored the next 12 points to take a 14-2 lead and never looked back.

The Bison got within 38-28 in the second half before the Spartans answered with a 20-5 spurt to take a commanding 58-33 lead.

Prince Okoroh led the Bison with eight points.