The Norfolk State men’s basketball team closed out 2024 by battling unbeaten Tennessee, the top-ranked program in the nation.
Norfolk State bounced back gracefully from a three-game losing streak, winning both of its showdowns at the Chris Paul HBCU Classic at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn.
NSU defeated Alabama State 71-54 to open the multi-team event. Graduate guard Brian Moore Jr. led the way with 15 points and seven rebounds. Norfolk State dominated the glass, outrebounding ASU 42-31.
The Spartans then survived a momentous comeback effort from Grambling State the very next day, squeaking out a 76-70 victory. Moore produced a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double, while Christian Ings added 13 points on a 6-of-6 shooting day.
NSU capped off its run of good play by beating High Point on the road.
Tennessee entered the season ranked No. 12 in the country but has surged to the top with a flawless campaign thus far. Volunteers guard Chaz Lanier averages 19.3 points per game and shoots 47.4 percent from 3-point range.
The tip-off is at 3 p.m. EST on SEC Network.
