NORFOLK, Va. - In a game that took a long time to happen, it took the Old Dominion University men's basketball team very little time to sprint out to a double-digit lead vs. Norfolk State. It was an advantage the Monarchs never relinquished in an 80-66 victory vs. NSU Wednesday at Joseph Echols Hall on NSU's campus.
In ODU's first game at Norfolk State since 1969, the Monarchs (2-1 overall) scored the game's first 11 points in just a 2:38 span. Joe Reece (six points) and A.J. Oliver (five points) were behind the ODU onslaught.
Norfolk State (2-1 overall) found its form, cutting into the deficit and trailing by just five points at halftime (42-37). NSU trimmed the Monarchs' lead to just two points at the 12:43 mark of the first half and got as close as 62-61 with less than six minutes to play in the second half.
But ODU used a 11-0 in the game's final minutes to seal the win - its fourth straight victory vs. NSU. The Monarchs now lead the all-time series 14-6.
Malik Curry and Oliver led ODU with 17 points. Daryl Anderson also poured-in 17 for the Spartans.
Norfolk State plays another rivalry game Monday when Hampton University invades Echols Hall for the latest installment of The Battle of the Bay. Old Dominion plays at James Madison Monday night.
