Morgan State Edges Norfolk State in Thrilling Finish
Monday, January 26, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Joseph G. Echols Hall
Morgan State Bears 79, Norfolk State Spartans 78, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Morgan State Bears vs Norfolk State Spartans?
Morgan State Bears beat Norfolk State Spartans 79-78 at Joseph G. Echols Hall on January 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Morgan State Bears vs Norfolk State Spartans?
Norfolk State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -410 (about 80% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested matchup, the Morgan State Bears triumphed over the Norfolk State Spartans with a final score of 79-78 at Joseph G. Echols Hall on January 27, 2026. This game was particularly noteworthy as it showcased the resilience of both teams, with Morgan State extending their winning streak to four games, while Norfolk State saw their three-game winning streak come to an end.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, with Norfolk State holding a home record of 10-13 and Morgan State at 8-13 overall. The Spartans had been performing well recently, boasting a 6-4 record in their last ten games, with an average of 75.9 points scored and 72.1 points allowed. Their recent form included impressive victories against Coppin State and Elizabeth City State, where they scored 103 and 86 points, respectively. Conversely, the Bears had a mixed record of 5-5 in their last ten games, averaging 74.7 points scored while allowing 76.0 points. Their recent performances included a significant win against Virginia Lynchburg, where they scored an astounding 128 points.
Historically, the teams have faced each other three times in the past season, with Norfolk State winning two of those encounters. Their last meeting resulted in a narrow 58-55 victory for Norfolk State, but Morgan State's win in this game indicates a shift in momentum. The Bears' victory not only ties the season series but also demonstrates their ability to compete fiercely against their rivals.
In terms of player contributions, the game featured several key moments that defined the outcome. Notably, Alfred Worrell Jr. played a crucial role for Morgan State, scoring a pivotal 14-foot jumper that put the Bears ahead in the closing moments of the game. The scoring plays highlighted the back-and-forth nature of the contest, with both teams exchanging leads and showcasing their offensive capabilities.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Norfolk State favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 152.5. The odds reflected the expectations surrounding the Spartans' home advantage, but Morgan State's performance defied those expectations, leading to a thrilling upset.
Conditions in Joseph G. Echols Hall were conducive to a competitive game, with both teams displaying high energy and intensity throughout. The atmosphere was electric, as fans witnessed a nail-biting finish that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
As the game unfolded, viewers were treated to a showcase of skill and determination from both squads. The final moments were particularly gripping, as Morgan State managed to secure the win with clutch plays and timely scoring, ultimately sealing the victory with Worrell Jr.'s decisive shot.
This matchup not only highlights the competitive spirit of NCAAB but also sets the stage for future encounters between these two teams, as both will look to build on their performances in the coming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NORF -7.5 | 152.5 o -115 / u -105 | Morgan State Bears +320 · Norfolk State Spartans -410 |
Leaders
- PointsJaquel Morris23Norfolk State Spartans
- AssistsMy'kel Jenkins3Norfolk State Spartans
- ReboundsDevon Ellis7Norfolk State Spartans
- PointsAlfred Worrell Jr.33Morgan State Bears
- AssistsRob Lawson6Morgan State Bears
- ReboundsMarland Harris14Morgan State Bears
Recent form
Norfolk State Spartans
Last 10: 6-4Streak W375.9 scored · 72.1 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W103-76vs Coppin State EaglesJan 24
- W86-61vs Elizabeth City State VikingsJan 20
- W89-82at South Carolina State BulldogsJan 17
- L70-74vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksJan 13
- W66-64at Delaware State HornetsJan 10
- L67-69at North Carolina Central EaglesJan 3
- L54-63at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsDec 28
- L70-89vs UC Irvine AnteatersDec 23
- W72-71at UTEP MinersDec 22
- W82-72at Jackson State TigersDec 20
Morgan State Bears
Last 10: 5-5Streak W374.7 scored · 76 allowed per game2-4 away
- W78-77at Howard BisonJan 24
- W128-53vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsJan 20
- W80-79at Delaware State HornetsJan 17
- L78-89vs North Carolina Central EaglesJan 12
- W72-67vs South Carolina State BulldogsJan 10
- L49-66at Maryland Eastern Shore HawksJan 3
- W92-55vs Penn State Brandywine LionsDec 30
- L56-83at Loyola Marymount LionsDec 23
- L64-94at San Francisco DonsDec 21
- L50-97at California Golden BearsDec 20
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard | 24-11 | - | 11-3 |
| Morgan State | 14-16 | 1 | 10-4 |
| Norfolk State | 15-17 | 3 | 8-6 |
| North Carolina Central | 14-18 | 3 | 8-6 |
| South Carolina State | 10-22 | 4 | 7-7 |
| Maryland Eastern Shore | 9-23 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Coppin State | 7-24 | 6 | 5-9 |
| Delaware State | 8-23 | 9 | 2-12 |
Box score
| Stat | Morgan State Bears | Norfolk State Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-54 | 29-70 |
| Field goal % | 46 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 9-24 | 4-21 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 19 |
| Free throws | 20-26 | 16-27 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 59 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 45 |
| Offensive rebounds | 4 | 16 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 29 |
| Assists | 10 | 13 |
| Steals | 8 | 10 |
| Blocks | 8 | 1 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 18 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 46 |
| Fouls | 16 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 36 | 60 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half42-52Adrean Newton makes 20-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half43-52Rob Lawson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-52Rob Lawson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-54Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-54Marland Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-54Marland Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-57Devon Ellis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Mykel Jenkins assists)
- 2nd Half49-57Alfred Worrell Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half49-58Devon Ellis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-59Dian Wright-Forde makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-60Dian Wright-Forde makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-60Marland Harris makes layup (Elijah Davis assists)
- 2nd Half51-62Dian Wright-Forde makes layup (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half51-65Elijah Jamison makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dian Wright-Forde assists)
- 2nd Half53-65Christian Meeks makes layup
- 2nd Half54-65Christian Meeks makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-66Jaquel Morris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-66Elijah Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half56-67Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half56-68Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-68Elijah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half59-68Elijah Davis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-70Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half61-70David Bumpass makes layup
- 2nd Half62-70David Bumpass makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half62-71Anthony McComb III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-72Anthony McComb III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-72Elijah Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-74Jaquel Morris makes layup (Devon Ellis assists)
- 2nd Half67-74Alfred Worrell Jr. makes 25-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half69-74Elijah Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half69-76Jaquel Morris makes layup (Dian Wright-Forde assists)
- 2nd Half71-76Elijah Davis makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half72-76Alfred Worrell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-76Alfred Worrell Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-77Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-77Alfred Worrell Jr. makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half76-78Anthony McComb III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-78Elijah Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-78Alfred Worrell Jr. makes 14-foot jumper
Win probability
Above the line favours Norfolk State Spartans, below favours Morgan State Bears.
Venue
- Joseph G. Echols HallNorfolk, VA
- Attendance2139
- OfficialsLa'Kenneth Kindred, Antonie Davis, Steven Perry Jr.
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