NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State men's basketball team hits the road for the first time this season, making the short four-mile trip across town to face cross-town rival Old Dominion University on Tuesday, Nov. 11. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. at Chartway Arena.
About the Series
Tuesday's contest marks the 22nd all-time meeting between the two programs in a rivalry that dates back to 1965. Old Dominion holds a 15–6 advantage in the series.
The teams last met during the 2022–23 season, when the Monarchs edged the Spartans 68–62 at Chartway Arena. ODU has won the last five matchups in the series.
Norfolk State's most recent victory came during the 1999–2000 season, a 67–64 neutral-site win. The Spartans' last win at ODU came more than 50 years ago, an 89–76 result during the 1973–74 season.
About the Spartans
Norfolk State (2–1) enters Tuesday's game coming off a narrow 81–78 loss to William & Mary on Saturday at Echols Hall.
Four Spartans scored in double figures against the Tribe, led by
Anthony McComb III with 19 points.
Elijah Jamison and
My'kel Jenkins added 15 points apiece, while
Devon Ellis chipped in 12. Jenkins and
Keyontae Lewis each grabbed seven rebounds to lead NSU on the boards.
Norfolk State connected on 40.7% (11-of-27) from three-point range compared to W&M's 33.3%, but the Tribe held slim advantages in field-goal percentage (45.3% to 43.1%) and free throws (70.6% to 54.8%).
Through three games, the Spartans are paced by McComb (18.7 ppg), Ellis (14.3 ppg), and Jamison (13.0 ppg), while rookies Jenkins (13.0 ppg) and
Adrean Newton (8.0 ppg) have made immediate contributions.
Tuesday's matchup opens a two-game road stretch for the Spartans, who travel to Towson, Md., on Friday to face Towson before returning home for the "Battle of the Bay" against Hampton on Nov. 21.
About the Monarchs
Old Dominion (1–1) enters Tuesday's contest coming off a 93–53 victory over Randolph College after opening the season with an 87–72 loss at Miami (Ohio).
The Monarchs are led by Maryland Eastern Shore transfer Ketron Shaw, who has totaled 33 points through two games. LJ Thomas follows with 29 points, while Jordan Battle (25) and Caelum Swanton-Rodger (20) have also provided offensive balance. Battle leads ODU with 13 rebounds, while Swanton-Rodger has 11.
In preseason projections, the Monarchs were picked fifth in the Sun Belt Conference Coaches Poll. Robert Davis Jr. was selected as the league's Preseason Player of the Year and earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors, while Battle was named to the Third Team.
The Monarchs are guided by second-year head coach Mike Jones and feature a roster with nine returners and seven newcomers.
Up Next
The Spartans continue their road swing on Friday, Nov. 14, visiting the Towson Tigers. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
