TUCSON, Ariz. – The Norfolk State men's basketball team went toe-to-toe early with one of the nation's top programs, but No. 2 Arizona used its size, depth, and interior scoring to pull away in a 98-61 decision on Saturday afternoon at the McKale Center. The Wildcats improved to 7-0 with the victory, while the Spartans moved to 4-5 on the season. 

Anthony McComb III turned in a strong performance for Norfolk State, leading all Spartans with 19 points on 8-of-18 shooting while logging 38 minutes. Melo Baines and Elijah Jamison added eight points apiece, and Keyontae Lewis provided six, as ten different Spartans reached the scoring column. 

Norfolk State opened the game with confidence, knocking down early threes from McComb, Yel Deeng, and Jamison and matching Arizona possession-for-possession. The Spartans' defensive energy kept the Wildcats out of rhythm early, and contributions from Baines, Lewis, and freshman Adrean Newton helped NSU keep pace. With 6:34 remaining in the half, the game sat even at 26–26. 

From there, Arizona began to assert its size advantage in the paint. Back-to-back second-chance buckets from Krivas and Peat sparked a 9–2 Wildcats run, giving them a 35–28 lead. Despite tough finishes from Dian Wright-Forde and Lewis, Arizona capitalized on its interior presence and transition opportunities, closing the half on a 12–4 surge to take a 47–32 advantage into the break. 

The momentum carried into the second half for Arizona as Norfolk State struggled to find early rhythm, managing eight points in the first 10 minutes. Arizona continued to score efficiently inside, while Krivas, Peat, Dell'Orso, and Burries pushed the lead to 79–40 with 10:03 remaining. 

Still, the Spartans continued to compete. Over the final nine minutes, NSU posted 21 points, led by McComb, who scored 10 during the closing stretch. Jaquel Morris, Yel Deeng, My'kel Jenkins, Keyontae Lewis, and Jordan Leaks each contributed baskets, with Leaks knocking down a long three as the Spartans fought to the final horn. Arizona's size, depth and efficiency remained the difference as the Wildcats secured the 98–61 win.  

Up Next 
Norfolk State gets a short break before continuing its road swing, traveling to Harrisonburg, Va., to take on James Madison on Saturday, Dec. 6.