NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State men's basketball team heads to Towson, Md., on Friday, Nov. 14, for a matchup against No. 18 Towson University. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

SETTING THE SCENE
Norfolk State (2–2) enters Friday's contest looking to rebound from back-to-back three-point losses to William & Mary (81–78) and Old Dominion (60–57). The Spartans opened the season with a pair of convincing home wins over Washington Adventist (98–76) and Regent (119–55).

SERIES HISTORY
Friday marks the fifth all-time meeting between Norfolk State and Towson, with the series tied at 2–2. The programs last met during the 2005–06 season, when the Spartans earned a dominant 78–49 victory at Echols Memorial Hall.

SPARTAN SCOUT
Norfolk State looks to regain momentum behind strong early-season performances from several newcomers. UNC Wilmington transfer Elijah Jamison paced the Spartans at Old Dominion with 14 points, while Anthony McComb III added 13. Devon Ellis rounded out the trio of double-digit scorers with 11 points and a team-high seven rebounds.

Redshirt freshman My'kel Jenkins, the reigning MEAC Rookie of the Week, continues to provide a spark off the bench, averaging 11.5 points per game, fourth-best on the team. Freshman guard Adrean Newton has earned a starting role in all four games to begin his collegiate career, contributing 6.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.0 steals per game.

TIGERS SCOUT
Towson (2–1) enters the matchup coming off a 101–62 rout of Wilson College, bouncing back from a competitive road loss at No. 2 Houston (65–48).

The Tigers placed five players in double figures in their most recent outing, led by Dylan Williamson with 18 points. Jaiden Cole (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Chike Ndefo (16 points, 10 rebounds) each posted double-doubles.Towson shot 52% from the floor and 41.2% from three in that win, while also converting 69.2% from the free-throw line.

The Tigers were picked to finish first in the CAA preseason poll, earning seven of 13 first-place votes. Reigning CAA Player of the Year Tyler Tejada was named Preseason Player of the Year and joins Williamson as a unanimous Preseason All-CAA First Team selection. Towson is led by 15th-year head coach Pat Skerry, who has guided the program to consistent success in the CAA.

UP NEXT
The Spartans return home for a rivalry showdown, hosting Hampton on Friday, Nov. 21, at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall for the annual "Battle of the Bay" game. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. following the women's game at 5:30 p.m.