Norfolk State will Win the NCAA Tournament - Reasons Why By Matthew Cooper

March Madness is here, and if you’re looking for a Cinderella to back, might I introduce you to the Norfolk State Spartans? This team isn’t just happy to be in the Big Dance—they’re here to bust brackets and make history. Here’s why you should be on the Spartan bandwagon.

1. Battle Tested

Norfolk State didn’t take the easy road to March. Their non-conference schedule featured matchups against NCAA Tournament teams like Tennessee, Grand Canyon, High Point, and Alabama State. They won three of those games, proving they can hold their own against quality competition. High-stakes basketball? Been there, done that. And if history has taught us anything, it’s that experience matters when the pressure is on.

2. Winning is Tradition

The Spartans know how to win when it counts. Just last year, after falling short in the MEAC Tournament, they regrouped and stormed through the College Insider Tournament, becoming the first HBCU to win it. Fast forward to this season, and they’re riding a four game winning streak straight into the NCAA Tournament after a hard-fought MEAC Championship victory over South Carolina State.

And let’s talk upsets. Between 1985 and 2017, a 16-seed had exactly a zero percent chance of beating a No. 1 seed. But in the last seven years? It’s happened twice. Norfolk State isn’t showing up just to get a participation ribbon—they just need a chance.

3. Will to Win

Since taking over in 2013-14, head coach Robert Jones has built a powerhouse at Norfolk State. He’s led the Spartans to three NCAA Tournament appearances in the last five seasons, proving he knows how to win when it matters most. Then there’s the backcourt trio of Brian Moore Jr. (18.4 PPG), Christian Ings (11.9 PPG), and Jaylen Darden (10.6 PPG). If teams sleep on these three, they’ll wake up to a shocking SportsCenter headline about the Spartans’ latest upset.

4. No Ego, All Grit

The best teams aren’t just talented—they buy into the system, trust their coach, and play unselfish basketball. Norfolk State checks all those boxes. With seniors and grad transfers leading the way, this squad is on a mission to extend their college careers as long as possible. Nobody is worried about personal stats—they’re worried about surviving and advancing.

5. This Year’s Cinderella

It’s time for an HBCU to make the Sweet 16. Norfolk State is built for the moment, and they’ve shown it all season. The best part? Their opening-round matchup is against No. 1 Florida in Raleigh, N.C.—just a three-hour drive from campus. That means Spartan fans will be out in force, creating a home-court advantage that could make things very interesting.

And if Norfolk State shocks the Gators? That South Region is officially on notice. Give the Spartans an inch, and they’ll take a mile.

Matthew Cooper