James Madison vs Norfolk State

Overview

The James Madison Dukes are set to host the Norfolk State Spartans in a men's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time. The game will take place at the Atlantic Union Bank Center in Harrisonburg, Virginia. This in-state rivalry is significant, as Norfolk State has won the last three encounters, including an 83-69 victory over the Dukes on November 9, 2024. (jmusports.com)

Season Snapshot

James Madison Dukes:

• Record: 6-4
• Recent Performance: The Dukes are coming off a 67-62 win against North Carolina Central on December 3, 2025. In that game, they overcame a 59-54 deficit with a 13-3 run, with Cliff Davis contributing eight of his 18 points in the final minutes. (jmusports.com)
• Home Performance: James Madison has been strong at home, boasting a 4-0 record at the Atlantic Union Bank Center this season. (nsuspartans.com)

Norfolk State Spartans:

• Record: 4-5
• Recent Performance: The Spartans are on a four-game road losing streak, most recently falling 98-61 to No. 2 Arizona on November 29, 2025. (nsuspartans.com)
• Offensive Strength: Norfolk State leads the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with an average of 11.0 offensive rebounds per game, with Keyontae Lewis contributing 1.8 offensive rebounds per game. (foxsports.com)

Recent Form

James Madison Dukes:

• Streak: The Dukes have alternated wins and losses in their last five games, indicating inconsistency.
• Key Players: Cliff Davis has been a standout, averaging 12.5 points per game and shooting 36.8% from beyond the arc. (foxsports.com)

Norfolk State Spartans:

• Streak: The Spartans are currently on a four-game road losing streak, which they will aim to break in this matchup. (foxsports.com)
• Key Players: Anthony McComb III leads the team with 17.0 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game. (nsuspartans.com)

Talking Points

• Home Court Advantage: Can James Madison continue their perfect home record against a struggling Norfolk State team?
• Offensive Rebounding Battle: Will Norfolk State's offensive rebounding prowess give them an edge over the Dukes?
• Cliff Davis' Impact: How will Davis' perimeter shooting influence the game's outcome?
• Norfolk State's Road Woes: Can the Spartans overcome their road performance issues to secure a win?
• Series History: With Norfolk State leading the series 3-2, will they extend their winning streak to four games?

Players to Watch

• Cliff Davis (James Madison): Averaging 12.5 points per game and shooting 36.8% from three-point range, Davis is a key offensive threat for the Dukes. (foxsports.com)
• Anthony McComb III (Norfolk State): Leading the Spartans with 17.0 points per game and 5.0 rebounds per game, McComb is central to Norfolk State's offense. (nsuspartans.com)
• Eddie Ricks III (James Madison): Leading the Dukes with 6.9 rebounds per game, Ricks' presence in the paint is crucial for controlling the boards. (nsuspartans.com)
• Elijah Jamison (Norfolk State): Averaging 13.7 points per game and 3.9 assists per game, Jamison's playmaking abilities are vital for the Spartans. (nsuspartans.com)

Key Matchups & Storylines

• Perimeter Shooting vs. Interior Play: James Madison's three-point shooting, led by Davis, against Norfolk State's offensive rebounding strength, spearheaded by McComb.
• Home Court Dynamics: The Dukes' undefeated home record versus the Spartans' struggles on the road.
• Coaching Strategies: Preston Spradlin's approach to maintaining home dominance against Robert Jones' efforts to end the road losing streak.

Fun Facts

• Series Record: Norfolk State leads the all-time series 3-2, with the most recent win being 83-69 on November 9, 2024. (jmusports.com)
• Home Performance: James Madison has a 4-0 record at the Atlantic Union Bank Center this season. (nsuspartans.com)
• Coaching Milestone: Norfolk State's head coach, Robert Jones, is 10 wins away from reaching 250 career victories. (nsuspartans.com)

Things to Chirp About

• "Can James Madison keep their home win streak alive against Norfolk State?"
• "Will Norfolk State's offensive rebounding give them the edge over the Dukes?"
• "How crucial is Cliff Davis' three-point shooting for JMU's success?"
• "Can Anthony McComb III lead the Spartans to their first road win of the season?"

Prediction

While Norfolk State has struggled on the road, James Madison's strong home performance suggests they will maintain their undefeated record at the Atlantic Union Bank Center. The Dukes' perimeter shooting and home-court advantage may prove decisive in this matchup.