Game Notes

NORFOLK, Va. - The Norfolk State men's basketball team (3-2) returns from its strong showing in the 2011 Paradise Jam to begin a four-game homestand this Sunday against Eastern Kentucky. Tip-off is at 4 p.m. at Echols Hall.

The Spartans took a second-place finish in the 2011 Paradise Jam after defeating CAA preseason favorite Drexel and TCU of the Mountain West Conference before falling by two to Marquette in the championship round. It was the highest-ever finish by an HBCU team in the Paradise Jam. Kyle O'Quinn was named to the all-tournament team after recording three
straight double-doubles in St. Thomas, giving him four in a row for the year. Chris McEachin scored in double figures in all three games in St. Thomas, averaging 13.7 ppg.

Eastern Kentucky is 3-3 on the year after a 76-51 loss to Lehigh on Nov. 20. The Colonels, of the Ohio Valley Conference, also have losses to Mississippi State and Presbyterian this year, and have victories over Liberty, William & Mary, and Winthrop.

MEDIA COVERAGE
Radio: WNSB Hot 91.1 FM (Play-by-Play: Ross Gordon)
Live Statistics: www.sidearmstats.com/nsu/mbball
Live Video Stream: www.nsuspartans.com/showcase (requires subscription)
Audio Stream: Click "Live Audio" link under Inside Athletics tab at nsuspartans.com

SERIES NOTES
NSU and Eastern Kentucky have met just once previously. Ironically, the meeting came in NSU's only other appearance in the Paradise Jam. The Colonels beat NSU 67-60 on Nov. 20, 2005.

STRONG START
NSU is off to a 3-2 start for the fi rst time since 1998-99, its second year at the Division I level. The Spartans' last time starting 4-2 or better through six games came in 1995-96, when the team (then in Division II) began 5-1.