NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk State returns to the Mermaid City on Saturday, but not in the familiar confines of Echols Hall. The Spartans will battle crosstown rival Old Dominion at Chartway Arena, with tip-off slated for 7 p.m.
 
The Spartans (5-3) are looking for their first victory against the Monarchs (4-4) since 1999. Norfolk State's only losses this season have come against teams ranked top-10 in the nation at the time of each contest.
 
The game will be streamed live on ESPN+, and broadcast on 91.1 FM. Tickets can be purchased online here.
 
Last Time Out
 
Norfolk State struggled to get shots to fall from deep against the No. 1 team in the country on Tuesday, shooting 1-of-18 from 3-point land in a 100-52 loss to Houston. The Cougars, on the other hand, caught fire from behind the arc, draining 17 3-pointers on a 51.5 percent rate.
 
Kris Bankston led NSU with 14 points and four rebounds, while Cahiem Brown also scored in double digits with 11 points.
 
 Scouting the Monarchs
 
The Monarchs have split their first eight games of the season, highlighted by comfortable wins over Maryland Eastern Shore and East Carolina, while dropping a nailbiter against Virginia Tech.
 
ODU provides a balanced attack on the offensive end of the floor, with three players averaging double-figures this season. Ben Staley leads the Monarchs with 14.5 points per game, while pulling in 4.6 rebounds per contest.
 
All-Time Series / Last Meeting
 
Old Dominion leads the all-time series between the crosstown rivals 14-6, winning the last four matchups. The Spartans last win against the Monarchs came on Dec. 29, 1999, a 67-64 neutral-site triumph.
 
ODU came away with an 80-66 victory on Dec. 2, 2020, the last time the two teams met. Daryl Anderson scored a career-high 17 points that night, shooting 5-of-7 from the floor.