NORFOLK, Va. – In front of a sold-out crowd of 8,472 and the non-conference finale, Old Dominion (7-6) was too much for Norfolk State (5-9), as the Monarchs took down the Spartans by a score of 68-57 on Tuesday night at the Ted Constant Convocation Center. The meeting was the first between the two schools in 15 years. The win marked ODU’s 31st consecutive victory at home, which is tied for the country’s fourth longest streak.
Aaron Bacote led three ODU players in double-figures with 20 points, while Trey Freeman followed with 19 and Zoran Talley chipped in 10. Brandan Stith hauled down a game-high 13 rebounds, to compliment four points, four blocks and two steals. Old Dominion led for a total of 35:03 of the possible 40 minutes. The Monarchs only turned over the rock three times throughout the game.
Norfolk State pulled within four points (41-37) at the 15:50 mark of the second half and then within two at the 14:13 mark (44-42) and within three (47-44) with 13:15 to play.
Old Dominion answered back with a 10-0 run to stretch its lead to 13, 59-46, with 7:53 remaining in regulation. The Spartans utilized a 9-1 run to pull within five (60-55) at the last media timeout with 3:14 left.
Old Dominion answered back again with five consecutive points to take a 65-55 lead with 2:13, before ultimately sealing the deal at the free-throw line to claim a 68-57 victory on Tuesday night.
The Monarchs jumped out to a 22-13 advantage at the 11:29 mark of the first half, behind nine early points from Trey Freeman (4-6 FG). Old Dominion stretched its lead to 34-23 (2:31) before ultimately claiming a 38-29 advantage at halftime.
ODU’s Trey Freeman led all scorers at the half with 13 points, while Brandan Stith hauled down a half-high eight rebounds. In the opening 20 minutes, Old Dominion held a 20-6 advantage for points in the pain and an 11-2 advantage for second chance points.
The Spartans were led by Jeff Short (14 points, six rebounds and six assists) and Jordan Butler (14 points and seven rebounds).
Longest Active NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Home Winning Streak
1. Arizona (47)
2. Louisiana Tech (37)
2. Wichita State (37)
4t. Kansas (31)
4t. Old Dominion (31)
NEXT UP FOR THE MONARCHS
Old Dominion will remain at home for its next contest on Saturday, Jan. 2 for the Conference USA opener against Charlotte at 12:00 p.m., which will be televised on ASN.
OLD DOMINION AND NORFOLK STATE TEAMED UP TO FEED NORFOLK
Tuesday night was more than just a game between two city rivals.
Old Dominion and Norfolk State partnered with “We Feed Norfolk”, the Kam Chancellor, “Kam Cares” Foundation, the City of Norfolk and the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia to help provide food for Norfolk families.
Food collection bins were available at the entrances of the arena.
Twelve percent of Virginia households are food insecure and struggle to provide meals for their families. The Foodbank often experiences the largest shortage of food during the winter months. All of the food collected at the game will benefit the Foodbank.
WHAT A DEAL! - VOUCHER BOOKS
Get 10 tickets to use at any home ODU basketball games during the 2015-16 regular season. Use them all at one game to bring family and friends, or spread them out over the season. The choice is yours! The price is $120 for a men’s basketball voucher book. That’s a $50 savings over purchasing at the ticket window. Purchase now at www.ynottix.com.
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