Old Dominion vs. Virginia State (Exhibition)
Game Info – Saturday, Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.
Location – Chartway Arena (Norfolk, Va.)
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Tickets – Click Here
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NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion men’s basketball has its second of two exhibition games this Saturday as the Monarchs welcome Virginia State for a 7 p.m. tip at Chartway Arena.
The exhibition won’t be streamed, but live stats will be available.
ODU and VSU last met for an exhibition game on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023 in Norfolk, a game that went to the Monarchs, 80-59. Chaunce Jenkins led the Silver and Blue with 17 points and six rebounds in 30 minutes of action. Vasean Allette, R.J. Blakney, and Bryce Baker finished with 11 points each.
About ODU
The Monarchs hosted VCU for an exhibition last Saturday and pulled to within six, 54-48 with under seven minutes to go in the second half, but the Rams pulled away for a 71-57 final at Chartway Arena. Bubu Benjamin led ODU with 14 points while shooting 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Zamoku Weluche-Ume contributed 13 points and five rebounds, Zacch Wiggins had 12 points and five boards, and Kylan Howze also had five boards and made three blocks.
The Sun Belt Conference released its Preseason Coaches’ Poll and All-Conference honors on Monday, and the Monarchs have been picked to finish 11th in the league. Adante’ Holiman, a fourth-year guard who transferred in from Arizona State and earned All-Sun Belt Third Team honors two seasons ago at Georgia Southern, was named to the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team. Additionally, the McAlester, Oklahoma native was named to Blue Ribbon Magazine’s Preseason All-Sun Belt Team as well as Lindy’s Sports Magazine’s Preseason All-Sun Belt Second Team.
Old Dominion is led by head coach Mike Jones, who enters his third season and has compiled a 27-41 record through his first two seasons in Norfolk. Jones has six returners this season and 11 newcomers for this season, and also rounded out his staff with assistant coaches Orlando Vandross and Jim Molinari.
About Virginia State
The Trojans are coming off a 2025-26 campaign that saw them finish 22-10 overall and 12-4 against Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponents. At the CIAA Tournament, VSU knocked out Lincoln University (Pa.), 76-60 in the quarterfinals, but fell 71-66 to Bluefield State in the semifinals. The Trojans then competed in the Black College Invitational Championship, where they defeated Edward Waters, 75-61 before avenging their conference tournament loss to Bluefield State with a 69-66 victory in the title game.
Virginia State has been picked to finish third in the CIAA’s Preseason Poll behind reigning conference champions Fayetteville State and Bluefield State. Davian Coleman, a center from Anchorage, Alaska, earned a spot on the Preseason All-Conference Team. The senior started 31 of the 32 games he appeared in last season and finished fourth on the team with 238 points (7.4 ppg) while shooting 67.1% from the field and 53.8% at the free-throw line. He led the Trojans on the glass with 217 rebounds (6.8 rpg) and 58 blocks while adding 17 assists and 14 steals to his 2025-26 totals.
Head coach Lonnie Blow Jr. is back for his 14th season and owns a 236-113 record during his time in Petersburg, Virginia. Blow was an assistant coach at ODU from 2010-12 and helped lead the Monarchs to a 2011 CAA Championship title. Coleman is joined by fellow returners Tim Uzochuwku, Michael Cooper, and Jaylen Wynn. VSU has 15 newcomers on its roster, to include 14 transfers and one freshman.
Up Next
The Monarchs will open their season at home on Monday, Nov. 2 when they host the Broncos of Western Michigan in the first round of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge. Tipoff at Chartway Arena is scheduled for 7 p.m.
SEASON SPONSOR
Bon Secours is the Presenting Sponsor of Old Dominion University’s 2026-27 Men’s Basketball Season. Bon Secours is proud to operate its four hospitals and medical centers in Hampton Roads and is even more proud to serve the surrounding community with exceptional care. It’s our mission at Bon Secours Hampton Roads to treat the whole person — mind, body and spirit, to bring compassion to health care, and to be good help to those in need. Bon Secours – the health care you deserve from a team you can trust.
SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
Men's Basketball: Secure your seat for all 19 home games, including the exhibition against VCU, starting at $226. Purchase 2026-27 men's basketball season tickets or reach out to Jackson Daley at 757-683-6156 for all you season ticket needs.
Women's Basketball: Enjoy every moment of Monarchs basketball with access to all 16 home games for $147. Purchase 2026-27 women's basketball season tickets or reach out to Jackson Daley at 757-683-6156 for all you season ticket needs.
Single-Game Tickets: Mark your calendar. Single-game tickets go on sale October 8, with a presale for season ticket holders and ODAF members beginning October 1.
Groups: Bringing a group? Connect our ticketing team to find your perfect game day experience. Contact ODU Ticket Rep, Ethan Truesdale-Hales at (757) 683-5444 or etruesda@odu.edu.