ATLANTA, Ga. – The Norfolk State Spartans closed out the Chris Paul HBCU Classic with an 82–72 victory over the Jackson State Tigers on Friday evening at Gateway Arena. Norfolk State improved to 5-8 on the season, while Jackson State dropped to 1-11. 

Elijah Jamison capped a dominant weekend with a career night, pouring in 30 points to lead the Spartans. Jamison eclipsed his previous career high set the night before against Grambling State, shooting 8-of-10 from the floor, a perfect 5-of-5 from three-point range, and 9-of-9 at the free-throw line. He added five rebounds and two assists in 30 minutes of action. 

Anthony McComb III followed with 19 points on 7-of-16 shooting, while Adrean Newton joined the scoring column in double figures with 10 points. 

The two teams traded the lead seven times with two ties over the opening 11 minutes, the final deadlock coming at 17-17. Norfolk State then seized control with a 10-1 run to open a 27-18 advantage at the 6:20 mark. Jaquel Morris ignited the stretch at the line before McComb finished inside and Newton and Jamison each connected from beyond the arc. The Spartans extended the margin to as many as 14 points in the first half and carried a 42-29 lead into the break behind 20 first-half points from Jamison. 

Norfolk State opened the second half with a 16-7 run, highlighted by back-to-back three-pointers from McComb, pushing the lead to 56-36 with 15:15 remaining. The Spartans continued to build their advantage, stretching it to a game-high 26 points (73-47) with 6:02 to play following a Newton triple. Jackson State closed the final six minutes on a 25-9 run, but NSU held firm to secure the 82-72 victory. 

CHECKING THE BOX SCORE 

• Final: Norfolk State 82, Jackson State 72 
• Elijah Jamison: 30 points, five rebounds, two assists 
• Additional double-figure scorers: Anthony McComb III (19), Adrean Newton (10) 
• Rebounding leader: Jaquell Morris – eight rebounds (six defensive) 
• Norfolk State shot 44.8% from the field (26-of-58), 43.5% from three-point range (10-of-23), and 83.3% at the free-throw line (20-of-24).  
• The Spartans also held advantages in points off turnovers (25-19) and assists (23-18). 

NEWS & NOTES 

• Norfolk State improves to 5-8 
• The Spartans secured their second win over a Division I opponent this season 
• Head coach Robert Jones sits nine wins away from career victory No. 250 
• Jamison became the second Spartan this season to score 30 points, joining Melo Baines (vs. Virginia-Lynchburg) 

UP NEXT 

Norfolk State faces a quick turnaround, traveling to the WestStar Don Haskins Sun Bowl Basketball Invitational. The Spartans will take on host UTEP on Sunday, Dec. 21, at 9 p.m. ET, before facing either North Dakota State or UC Irvine on Monday, Dec. 22.