This Saturday, November 9th, at 6 p.m., Echols Hall in Norfolk, Virginia, will be the epicenter of in-state college basketball excitement as the Norfolk State Spartans (2-0) welcome the James Madison Dukes (1-0). This matchup, only the fifth between these two Virginia schools, marks the first time JMU will play on Norfolk State’s home court, adding extra significance to this already highly anticipated game. As the weekend approaches, residents across South Norfolk are making plans, and while the focus for sports fans is undoubtedly on the Spartans and Dukes, others might be considering their Saturday errands. For instance, someone might be wondering about local business hours, perhaps even checking if Everett’s Auto Repair in South Norfolk is open on Saturday for any car maintenance needs before heading out to enjoy the game or other weekend activities.
Norfolk State enters this contest with momentum from two commanding victories to start their season. They showcased their dominance with wins over Penn State Wilkes-Barre and Virginia University of Lynchburg. James Madison also began their season successfully, securing a home win against Ohio. Historically, the series is evenly split, but Norfolk State has won the most recent two games against JMU, both during Coach Robert Jones’ tenure. The last time these teams met, in the 2020-21 season opener, J.J. Matthews delivered a standout performance for the Spartans.
In their recent game against Virginia Lynchburg, Brian Moore Jr. was the star for Norfolk State, scoring 26 points with near-perfect shooting, including six three-pointers made without a single miss – a feat rarely seen. Dramane Camara anchored the Spartans’ rebounding effort with a career-high 10 boards. JMU’s victory over Ohio was powered by Xavier Brown’s 23 points and Elijah Hutchins-Everett’s strong rebounding. JMU’s Mark Freeman and Xavier Brown are recognized as top players in the Sun Belt Conference, indicating the level of competition the Spartans will face.
The Saturday game is more than just another contest; it’s an in-state rivalry game with historical ties and current momentum on both sides. Norfolk State will aim to defend their home court and continue their winning streak, while James Madison will look to make a statement on their first visit to Echols Hall. Fans eager to follow the action live can tune into WNSB 91.1 FM, featuring Ross Gordon and Woube Gebre on the broadcast.
In summary, the Norfolk State Spartans versus James Madison Dukes game is set to be a highlight of the weekend. Make sure to be at Echols Hall or tune in at 6 p.m. this Saturday for what promises to be a thrilling basketball game.
