NORFOLK, Va. --- Norfolk State Vice President and Director of Athletics Dr. Melody Webb and head women's basketball coach
Jermaine Woods have announced a home-and-home series with nationally ranked North Carolina over the next two seasons.
The Spartans visit Carmichael Arena on Dec. 21, 2026, before the Tar Heels travel to Echols Hall during the 2027-28 season. Tipoff times for both games will be announced later.
"This home-and-home series with North Carolina is another important step for our women's basketball program and the university," Webb said. "Competing against a nationally ranked program like UNC reflects our commitment to elevating Norfolk State Athletics and providing our student-athletes the opportunity to play at the highest level. We are also excited to bring that level of competition to Echols Hall for our fans and campus community."
The series marks the second meeting in program history between the two teams. The Spartans last faced North Carolina during the 2024-25 season, when the Tar Heels earned a 90-47 win at Carmichael Arena.
North Carolina becomes the second Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent to play at Echols Hall in program history, joining Duke, which will make a return trip to Norfolk this upcoming season. The Tar Heels finished last season 28-8 overall and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 before falling to No. 1 seed UConn.
"I would like to express my gratitude to coach Banghart for her ongoing dedication to scheduling HBCU games on the road," Woods said. "This provides our team with valuable opportunities to compete against top-tier opponents at home, significantly enhancing our revenue prospects."
Norfolk State finished the 2024-25 season with an 18-15 record, marking its fifth consecutive appearance in the MEAC championship game and the program's second WNIT berth. The Spartans also ranked second nationally in field goal percentage defense and third in 3-point field goal percentage defense.
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