HARRISONBURG, Va. – The Norfolk State men's basketball team came up just short in a tightly contested road battle at James Madison, falling 68-67 on Saturday afternoon in Harrisonburg.
Norfolk State drops to 4-6 on the season, while the Dukes improve to 7-4.
Devon Ellis and Elijah Jamison paced the Spartans with 17 points apiece, while Keyontae Lewis also reached double figures with 13 points. Jordan Leaks led Norfolk State on the glass with 10 rebounds, including eight defensive boards. Anthony McComb III added nine points and six rebounds, while Ellis also contributed eight rebounds, five on the defensive end.
As a team, Norfolk State shot an efficient 53.8 percent from the field (28-of-52), 37.5 percent from three-point range (3-of-8), and 47.1 percent from the free throw line (8-of-17).
James Madison opened the game with an 8-2 run in the first three minutes of play before Norfolk State responded. The Spartans trimmed the deficit to three, 11-8, behind a layup from Leaks and consecutive baskets by Ellis. The Dukes answered with a 13-5 surge to take their largest lead of the half at 24-13 with 10 minutes remaining. Ellis connected on a three-pointer to halt the run, but JMU still carried an eight-point advantage, 30-22, at the under-eight media timeout. Norfolk State closed the opening half strong, finishing on a 12-5 run to cut the deficit to three heading into the break.
The second half featured a back-and-forth battle as neither team built more than a two-possession lead until the closing minutes. Norfolk State captured its first lead of the game at the 14:38 mark when Lewis finished a putback layup to give the Spartans a 43-42 edge. The score was knotted again at 47 apiece, setting up a tightly contested stretch that included two additional ties.
James Madison eventually regained control and built a seven-point cushion, 66-59, with 3:16 remaining. Norfolk State responded with a late push, trimming the deficit to just one possession in the closing seconds, but the Spartans' rally fell just short as the Dukes held on for the 68-67 decision.
CHECKING THE BOX SCORE
Norfolk State fell to James Madison, 68-67.
- Devon Ellis: 17 points, eight rebounds, one assist
- Elijah Jamison: 17 points, two assists
- Keyontae Lewis: 13 points
- Jordan Leaks: 10 rebounds (eight defensive)
- Shooting: 53.8% from the field (28-of-52), 37.5% from three (3-of-8), 47.1% at the free throw line (8-of-17)
- Lead Changes/Ties: Four lead changes, three ties
- Team FG%: NSU 54% | JMU 44%
- Rebounding: NSU 38 | JMU 30
- Bench Points: NSU 19 | JMU 10
- Points in the Paint: NSU 42 | JMU 30
NEWS & NOTES
- Norfolk State falls to 4-6 on the season
- James Madison ties the all-time series at 3-3
- Head coach Robert Jones is now 10 wins away from career victory No. 250
UP NEXT
Norfolk State continues its road trip at Baylor on Wednesday, Dec. 10, with a 12 p.m. ET tip in Waco, Texas.
For complete coverage of Norfolk State Athletics, please follow the Spartans on social media at @nsuspartans (X/Twitter), /NorfolkStateAthletics (Facebook), @NSUAthletics (Instagram), @nsuathletics (YouTube) or visit the official home of Norfolk State Athletics at nsuspartans.com.
