3/11/2025
Can you believe Norfolk State’s game against South Carolina State wasn’t televised? Are we still in the Stone Age? After dropping two straight to SC State and North Carolina Central, the Spartans had one final shot to right the ship before tournament play. Their destination? The nation’s capital. Their opponent? The Howard Bison at Burr Gymnasium. Their mission? Avoid a three-game losing streak and clinch a share of the MEAC regular-season title. No pressure.
The Spartans jumped out to an early lead, but the Bison weren’t interested in rolling over on their home floor. Howard battled back, making it a tight contest with Norfolk State clinging to a slim lead at halftime. Then came the second half, where the Spartans did what good teams do—they hit the gas. Behind Brian Moore Jr.’s 21 points, Norfolk State pulled away, sealing the win and, more importantly, securing a co-regular season championship alongside SC State.
Now, with the MEAC Tournament on the horizon, the Spartans are in prime position to make a deep run. But if they want to cut down the nets, they’ll need to play smart, stay poised, and embrace the Spartan way from tip-off to the final buzzer. Fortunately, they’ve got the right man leading the charge.
Head coach Robert Jones—a finalist for the Skip Prosser Man of the Year Award, the Ben Jobe Award, and the Hugh Durham National Coach of the Year Award—has guided Norfolk State through the ups and downs of the season. Now, it’s time for his squad to navigate the tournament gauntlet.
One game at a time.
2/25/2025
Homecoming at an HBCU is supposed to be a time of celebration, nostalgia, and good vibes. But for Coppin State, it turned into a front-row seat to Norfolk State’s dominance. Since the Eagles don’t have a football team, their homecoming takes place during basketball season—but after what happened Saturday, they might want to reconsider.
From the opening tip, it was all Spartans, all the time. The gap between the MEAC’s top team and its worst was as obvious as an overcooked steak, and Norfolk State wasted no time putting their stamp on the game. By the time the final buzzer sounded, the Spartans had steamrolled the Eagles 79-63, leaving Coppin State fans thankful that homecoming isn’t just about basketball.
At this point, Norfolk State is running the MEAC like they own the deed, and there’s not a team in sight that looks ready to challenge them. Not even a fresh-off-the-grill homecoming burger could compete with the Spartans right now.
Next up, Norfolk State heads back home to face Morgan State on Monday night, with a chance to settle the score the Spartan way—on their home court at Echols Hall.
2/17/2025
After narrowly escaping a 67-65 win over South Carolina State to kick off February, the Norfolk State Spartans found themselves in another nail-biter against North Carolina Central. With the score tied at 78 and just two seconds left, everyone inside Echols Hall—and anyone watching on ESPNU—was gearing up for overtime. Everyone except Brian Moore Jr., apparently, who must have had a homework assignment due at 11:59 that night, because as soon as he got the ball, he launched a shot from nearly half-court. The result? Absolute pandemonium. And just to add a little extra drama, Moore Jr. got fouled on the play, meaning even if he had missed, he would’ve had three free throws to ice the game anyway. Either way, the Eagles were sent flying south for the winter. Later that night, as Moore Jr. presumably wrapped up his impromptu homework session, he had another reason to celebrate—his game-winner landed at No. 5 on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays, which feels like fate considering he wears No. 5.
With two weeks off from conference play, the Spartans entered their matchup against Maryland Eastern Shore well-rested and ready to roll. And roll they did, dominating the Hawks for all 40 minutes and handing them their ninth straight loss. The only real victory for UMES that day? Covering the +12.5 spread—strictly for the bettors out there. Norfolk State remains firmly in the driver’s seat with just three games left before the MEAC Tournament. Up next, they take on Delaware State, and if the Spartans keep playing like this, the Hornets might be the next team left buzzing.
Matthew Cooper
2/3/2025
The Norfolk State Spartans, perched at the top of the MEAC standings, were looking to add another win to their record Saturday. But the SC State Bulldogs weren’t about to make it easy. The Spartans stumbled out of the gate offensively, but as the first half wore on, they started to find their rhythm—though that rhythm didn’t extend to the three-point line. Norfolk State shot a dismal 2-for-16 from beyond the arc for the game.
Down by four at halftime, the Spartans needed a spark to avoid an upset at the hands of the Bulldogs in Echols Hall. But SC State kept playing keep-away with the lead well into the second half. It wasn’t until midway through that Norfolk State began to claw its way back. Still, the Bulldogs wouldn’t relent. With 18 seconds left in regulation, SC State’s Davion Everett nailed a layup to tie the game at 54.
With a chance to win it in the final seconds, Brian Moore Jr. came up with the ball for the Spartans, but a Bulldogs steal sent the game into overtime. In the extra period, it was Norfolk State forward Terrance Jones who stepped up. Despite not being the team’s star, Jones was the unsung hero, scoring nine of his 18 points in the final five minutes, propelling the Spartans to a 67-65 victory.
Sometimes, it’s not about how you win, but that you win at all—and that was the case here. Sitting at the top of the standings means every opponent will give you their best shot. Most teams fall short, but when you come for the Spartans, you’d better not miss. Norfolk State will head to Maryland Eastern Shore for their next contest Saturday. One thing’s for sure: there won’t be any love in the air after Valentine’s Day.
1/26/2025
On March 15, 2024, the #1 seed Norfolk State Spartans faced off against the Howard University Bison in the MEAC tournament semifinals. The Spartans entered as the heavy favorites, but after 40 minutes of play, it was the Bison who emerged victorious, ending Norfolk State’s hopes of advancing to the MEAC championship and, ultimately, the NCAA tournament. The loss stung, and for the Spartans, it was a painful reminder of their shattered dreams from nearly a year ago.
Fast forward 10 1/2 months, and revenge was on the mind of every Spartan heading into Saturday’s rematch. The atmosphere in Joseph G. Echols Halls was electric, as the Spartans had waited nearly a year to settle the score. The first half was a battle of wills, with neither team willing to give an inch, and the score was deadlocked at 35 at the break.
The second half, however, was a different story. Behind standout performances from Brian Moore Jr., Christian Ings, and Jalen Myers, the Spartans slowly began to take control. The Bison, not ones to back down easily, refused to roll over, making Norfolk State work for every point. But the Spartans were determined to make a statement. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Norfolk State had made it clear: last year’s loss was still fresh, and this was their house—the Bison were simply visiting.
Moore Jr. led the charge, scoring a game-high 30 points, while Ings contributed 29 and Myers added 15. It’s almost poetic that in a conference full of animal mascots, the one team with a human mascot is leading the pack. Maybe the Spartans can start a trend: Spartans and mascots with legs—who knew?
With the revenge secured, the Spartans are now looking ahead to next week’s matchup against South Carolina State at home. It’s clear the Spartans are charging ahead with momentum, and they’re not about to let anyone get in their way now.
1/20/2025
The Norfolk State Spartans entered Hill Field House on Monday looking to go 4-0 in conference play against the Morgan State Bears. Though not much of a betting man, I noted the Spartans were -9.5 favorites to beat the Bears. The first half was a feeling-out process for both teams, with the Bears holding a three-point lead at halftime. It was still anyone’s game, but the Bears would not relinquish their lead in the second half. At one point, they led by 11 points with just 4:27 left to play.
Norfolk State’s tough non-conference schedule prepared them for moments like these. The Spartans, facing adversity, leaned on their game experience. In the final four minutes, Terrance Jones hit two three-pointers, and Sincere McMahon added another three-pointer and a layup. With two minutes left, the Spartans were down 70-68. With 1:05 remaining, McMahon nailed another three-pointer to tie the game at 73. However, the final minute wasn’t kind to the Spartans, who were defeated 78-74, despite showing heart and a will to win. Jones led all scorers with 20 points.
The Spartans next have a tune-up matchup against Washington Adventist University on MLK Day before facing Howard University next Saturday. This will be a rematch of last year’s MEAC tournament championship game, so get your popcorn ready because this game will be a movie at Joseph G. Echols Hall.
1/12/2025
Going into the Hornet's nest, the Spartans approached the game with a mindset of business as usual. Despite their defensive challenges containing Robert Smith, who led with 20 points, NSU ended the half ahead 42-30, thanks to 26 points in the paint and four three-pointers. While Brian Moore Jr. struggled from the field, Jaylani Darden and Sin’cere McMahon stepped up, delivering a combined 27 points.
In the second half, the Spartans had to hold onto their lead. Despite the Hornets' hard play, NSU secured the win. Norfolk State forward Jalen Myers was instrumental, going 9/13 from the field with 20 points and nine rebounds. The Spartans successfully entered the Hornet’s nest and left with some honey in the process.
At home against the Coppin State Eagles, Christian Ings started the game on fire despite coming off the flu, scoring 16 of his 21 points in the first half. The Spartans collectively went on a 14-2 run to blow the lead wide open and outscored Coppin State 19-10 in the final 5 minutes. In the second half, the Spartans focused on managing their lead until the game ended. Ings shined with a team-high 21 points, while Brian Moore Jr. finished with 18 points after an off game against the Hornets.
So far in 2025, the Spartans have solely seen victories, moving to 3-0 in January with the opportunity to go 5-0. They face two big matchups against Morgan State on Tuesday and Howard the following week.
If the Spartans go undefeated for the entire month, I’ll wear green and gold for the entire month, so their winning can rub off on me; however, that may not be the best fashion trend to entertain.
1/5/2025
The Spartans traveled to Knoxville on Monday night, preparing to face the No. 1 team in the country, the Tennessee Volunteers. By now, Norfolk State is unbothered by team rankings or conferences because they truly can play with anybody in the country. However, the Spartans came out sluggish, allowing the Volunteers to jump out to an early lead. With the help of Brian Moore Jr. and Christian Ings in the scoring department, they were able to cut the lead to seven at halftime.
In the second half, the Spartans couldn’t bring the lead to within single digits and turned the ball over 50% more than the Volunteers. Ings led the team in scoring with 19 points, followed by Moore Jr. with 18 points. The good thing about this loss is that it was left in 2024, as the very next day was New Year's.
The Spartans focused their attention on Maryland Eastern Shore. In another road game, the Spartans wanted to start MEAC conference play off on the right foot, and they obliged. The Spartans played well in the first half, with 22 of their 35 points coming from assists. They even jumped out to a 23-6 lead before the Hawks brought their deficit back to a reasonable six points at halftime. The second half was all Norfolk State, securing a double-digit lead. Moore Jr. led the team in scoring with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Ings finished with 14 points, and Jalen Meyer finished with 12.
The Spartans travel to Delaware on Monday to play the Hornets of Delaware State. It should be a great road test for the Spartans, but make no mistake about it, they should step on the Hornets and take some honey back to Norfolk, Virginia, for their troubles.
12/30/2024
Coming into Nico and Marian Quebein Arena and Conference Center and Hotel (yes, that’s a very long name for an arena), the Norfolk State Spartans faced High Point University, a team favored to win the Big South Conference and sporting a 12-2 record. The Spartans showed up with a point to prove, being the aggressors on the defensive end in the first half, which created a lot of problems for the Panthers' on the offensive end.
Brian Moore Jr. gave the Panthers all they could handle in the first half, scoring 15 points and dishing out four assists. He finished with a season-high 33 points, six rebounds, and five assists. By halftime, the Spartans led 39-34 and dominated points in the paint, outscoring the Panthers 20-2 in that category.
Yet, the Panthers weren't 12-2 for no reason; they fought the Spartans tooth and nail in the final three minutes of regulation. With 30 seconds left in the game, the Spartans were up 73-72. Moore Jr., with the ball in his hands, drove to the right elbow and took the shot. What rhymes with money? Cash! The Spartans went up by three points, which eventually sealed the game for them after a few attempts from the free throw line by both teams, ending the bout 77-74. The Spartans conquered the Panthers.
In a post-game interview, Robert Jones had this to say about his team’s grit to pull this one out:
“We’re always the underdog. ESPN gave us a 14 percent chance to win. I don’t know why; it's only a Big South school. I don’t understand why. I’m happy that we fought. High Point’s a great team; they’re 12-2 for a reason. This is a tough environment, and I’m happy our guys fought,” Coach Jones said.
When asked by ESPN reporter Madison Little why everyone should believe in this team, Coach Jones answered bluntly:
“We have depth, we have togetherness, discipline. We got everything that you want in a team. Hopefully, we can keep it going. We got a big task coming up in days.”
Coach Jones didn’t mince his words, as the Spartans are making the trip to Knoxville to face off against the No. 1 team in the land, the Tennessee Volunteers. The Volunteers are 12-0 on the season, but if any team could take that zero away from their record, I’m sure the Spartans would gladly oblige and will have the opportunity to do so on Tuesday.
12/23/2024
The Norfolk State Spartans entered the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Challenge confident despite their three-game losing streak. They faced an Alabama State team known for its non-conference wins, which showed their capability of being a menace in their conference. However, the Spartans’ strength of schedule prepared them to dominate the Hornets.
The Spartans jumped out to a 44-21 lead by the end of the first half, motivated to avoid another loss. In the second half, the Spartans eased up, allowing the Hornets to outscore them 33-27. Despite the Hornets' second-half push, it had no impact on the outcome, as the Spartans won decisively, 71-54. Brian Moore Jr. led all scorers with 15 points and seven rebounds, followed by 11 points each from Christian Ings and Jalen Myers.
In their second game of the challenge, the Spartans faced the defending SWAC champions, Grambling State. Norfolk State was unfazed, leading 47-33 at halftime. However, they allowed the Tigers to tie the game at 66 with 2:47 left. The Spartans rallied in the final three minutes to secure a 76-70 victory. Moore Jr. again led the charge with 20 points, with Ings contributing 13 points. After defeating the Tigers, Moore Jr. was awarded the Most Valuable Player award for his performance. In a quote tweet, he posted on X, Moore Jr. wrote,
“Focused pain and anger can take you a long way💚🫡.”
The Chris Paul HBCU Challenge was held at Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut. Given the Christmas season, the arena was noticeably quiet—"not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse." For future tournaments, it might be better to hold the event in locations more appealing to HBCU alumni and fans, such as Atlanta, Washington, D.C., or a southern hotspot. While Connecticut boasts excellent pizza, it may not be the best fit for an HBCU tournament—just my two cents.
12/15/2024
The Spartans had an eight-day hiatus after beating Stony Brook. Their first game back was at home against Hofstra, and it did not go as expected. Any time a team can shoot 50% from three-point range, they are hard to beat. The Spartans didn't shoot well, hitting just below 40% from the field. Spartan forward Jalen Myers led the team with 17 points, followed by Christian Ings with 12 points and Brian Moore Jr. with 10 points.
The Spartans then traveled to Waco, Texas, to play the Baylor Bears. The Spartans came to play, exchanging leads with the Bears for most of the first half. The Bears then jumped out to a six-point lead prior to the half. However, the Spartans couldn't find a cure for their turnover bug, losing that battle 20-8, which was key to the Bears extending their lead in the second half. Ings was the high point man for the Spartans, securing 12 points on the dim evening.
The Spartans had another matchup against Northern Kentucky, in which they fought tooth and nail to stave off a third defeat in a row. The first half was a dog fight, with Northern Kentucky securing a halftime lead with a buzzer-beater three by Josh Dillinger. The Spartans were unable to secure a lead in the second half, only getting as close as a three-point deficit. Moore, Ings, Kuluel Mading, and Terrance Jones each delivered 12 points, but it wasn't enough.
To the Spartans' credit, they have a tough schedule, and there's no doubt they are a tough team. I'm sure you could ask the opposing teams, and they'd agree. But the Spartans have to do a better job closing out games in the second half if they want to get the edge in these tough matchups. The Spartans set their sights on the Toyota Chris Paul HBCU Classic, where they'll face off against Alabama State. The Spartans should take care of business this Thursday, but no game is won until the clock hits all zeros and the period says H2.
12/1/2024
The Spartans were 0-2 coming into their Monday night matchup against a UC Davis team that had just beaten Grand Canyon University. It was the Brian Moore show Tuesday night, sealing the victory for the Spartans. With the Spartans just up 34-33 in the first half, they fired up in the second half, outscoring the Aggies 42-22, which gave the Spartans an easy 76-55 win to end their West Coast Road trip on a high note and have something good to talk about at the table for Thanksgiving.
After coming off a great win versus the Aggies, the Spartans set their sights on New York as they faced Stony Brook University. Brian Moore Jr. led the way in scoring with 18 points, but each starter except one was in double figures, helping the Spartans secure another strong road win. The Spartans are now 6-3 at the beginning of December as they look to defend their home court next Monday against Hofstra, who have a decent record, so it should be a good test. After that game, they face the No. 17-ranked Baylor Bears. Have no fear, the Norfolk State Spartans will be ready to shake things up in Foster Pavilion. I’m sure their mentality will match this quote by rapper Mystikal when they make their way there: “If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a grizzly bear, help the bear.”
11/24/2024
The Spartans’ first battle began at Stanford. At the beginning of the game, it seemed as if they were still reeling from jet lag as the Cardinal jumped out to a 15-point lead before the Spartans took control in the last eight minutes of the first half. From that point on, it was hard to tell whether the Spartans were the underdogs or not, as the game was closely contested. With 2:30 left to play, they were within striking distance but unable to secure the win, losing 70-63 to the Cardinal. Senior guards Christian Ings and Brian Moore Jr. scored 41 of Norfolk State’s 63 points.
The Spartans then traveled to Arizona to face Grand Canyon University, fresh off an NCAA tournament run where they lost to Alabama in the round of 32. The Lopes did not underestimate the Spartans, leading 54-27 going into the second half. While the Spartans won the second half, their first-half deficit was too difficult to overcome, falling to the Lopes 91-73. Spartan forward Jalen Myers led the team in scoring with 20 points, and NCAA tournament standout Tyon Grant-Foster led the Lopes with 20 points.
The Spartans have one more chance to win a game in their Western conquest as they face UC Davis on Monday. Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones will need to deliver a Leonidas-esque speech to give the Spartans the spirit to defy the odds-on Monday night.
11/17/2024
If you think the only Sparty is in Michigan, think again. Hailing from Norfolk, Virginia, the Spartans of Norfolk State have something to say. Coming off a College Insider.com Postseason Tournament championship, the Spartans are hungrier than ever to be the head of the snake in the MEAC conference this year. They fell to Howard University in the MEAC championship last year, missing out on another NCAA tournament berth.
The Spartan way is to load up their schedule with tough non-conference opponents to get them ready for conference play, ensuring they remain unfazed if they make it to the NCAA tournament, where they typically end up as a 16 seed facing a one seed. The Spartans are currently 4-1 in November and have a tall task ahead of them next Wednesday versus Stanford.
With a veteran cast including Christian Ings, Brian Moore Jr., and a head coach who embodies success in Robert Jones, they are poised to march through their opponents and conquer whoever comes their way.
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