NORFOLK, Va. --- The Norfolk State women's basketball team continues its road swing with a matchup at No. 16 Iowa State on Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. EST in Ames, Iowa. The Spartans then head to Philadelphia to face Penn on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.
KEY STORYLINES
Norfolk State enters the week looking to build momentum while taking on its most demanding stretch of the early season. The Spartans continue integrating new head coach
Jermaine Woods' system while facing their third nationally ranked opponent in the first five games.
- Head coach Jermaine Woods sits nine wins away from career victory No. 50.
- NSU meets Iowa State for the first time in program history.
- NSU faces its third nationally ranked opponent of the 2025–26 season.
- Graduate guard Jasha Clinton ranks No. 2 nationally in total steals (21) and No. 3 in steals per game (5.25).
- NSU most recently fell to No. 15 Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
- The Spartans are one of three MEAC programs scheduled to play three ranked nonconference opponents.
SCOUTING THE CYCLONES
Iowa State enters Sunday's matchup on a dominant early-season run, opening 4–0 while showcasing one of the nation's most explosive offenses and stingiest defenses. Led by Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year Audi Crooks, the Cyclones combine high-level scoring with elite ball movement.
- ISU remains unbeaten after a 97–50 win over Valparaiso.
- Audi Crooks averages 28.3 points per game, the second-highest mark in Division I.
- The Cyclones rank No. 5 nationally in scoring defense, allowing just 44.5 points per game.
- ISU also ranks fifth in assists per game at 24.3.
- Addy Brown (11.8 ppg) and Jada Williams (10.2 ppg) also score in double figures.
- Brown leads Iowa State in rebounding at 8.8 per game.
- Head coach Bill Fennelly is in his 30th season with the program and his 37th as a collegiate head coach.
SCOUTING THE QUAKERS
Penn enters Tuesday's contest at 3–1, showing strong offensive balance and a defense that forces mistakes at a high rate. The Quakers come off a convincing win over Hofstra and continue to lean on forward Katie Collins as a consistent scoring option.
- Penn defeated Hofstra 67–55 on Saturday.
- The Quakers average 72.5 points per game while allowing 49.8.
- Forward Katie Collins leads the team with 11.0 points per game.
- Penn scores an average of 21.0 points off turnovers.
- Head coach Mike McLaughlin is in his 17th season guiding the program.
LAST TIME OUT
Norfolk State last took the court against No. 15 Duke, where the Spartans gained valuable experience against a top-tier opponent at the historic Cameron Indoor Stadium.
SPARTANS IN THE MEAC
Norfolk State continues to rank among the conference's top teams statistically, particularly on the defensive end. The Spartans lead the MEAC in several categories as they move deeper into nonconference play.
- NSU leads the MEAC in total blocks (15) and steals (16.5 per game).
- The Spartans rank second in free-throw shooting at 73.8 percent.
- Jasha Clinton ranks second in the MEAC with 15.5 points per game.
- Da'Brya Clark ranks fifth in the league at 13.8 points per game.
- Carmen Kweti ranks seventh in rebounding at 6.8 per game.
- Clinton leads the conference in total steals (21) and steals per game (5.3).
UP NEXT
Norfolk State returns home after the two-game road trip to host the annual Battle of the Bay. The Spartans welcome Hampton to Echols Hall on Friday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m.
