Grambling Tigers Defeat Norfolk State Spartans 80-68
Thursday, December 18, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Gateway Center
Grambling Tigers 80, Norfolk State Spartans 68, 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 Norfolk State Spartans vs Grambling Tigers?
Grambling Tigers beat Norfolk State Spartans 80-68 at Gateway Center on December 18, 2025.
Who was favored in Norfolk State Spartans vs Grambling Tigers?
Norfolk State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The underdog won.
The Grambling Tigers secured a decisive victory against the Norfolk State Spartans, finishing the game with a score of 80-68. This matchup, held at the Gateway Center, showcased the Tigers' ability to rebound from a challenging stretch, particularly as they had been on a five-game losing streak prior to this win.
The Tigers entered this game with a home record of 4-6 and had struggled recently, posting a 3-7 record over their last ten games. Their average scoring during this stretch was 68.7 points, while they allowed an average of 71.9 points per game. In stark contrast, the Spartans, with an away record of 4-8, also faced difficulties, having lost their last three games and compiling a 3-7 record in their last ten. Norfolk State averaged 75.5 points scored and 72.4 points allowed during this period, indicating a higher offensive output compared to Grambling.
In their previous meeting this season, the Tigers fell to the Spartans 70-76, which added an extra layer of motivation for Grambling in this contest. The Tigers had not only the chance to avenge that loss but also to demonstrate their growth and resilience in front of their home crowd.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have faced challenges in maintaining consistent lineups throughout the season. The absence of key players can often influence the outcome of games, particularly in close matchups.
Betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Norfolk State was favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 135.5. The odds reflected the competitive nature of this fixture, as both teams were closely matched in terms of their overall performance this season.
As the game progressed, the Tigers demonstrated a commanding presence, particularly in the second half. Key moments included a series of free throws by Rickey Ballard and Elijah Jamison, which helped maintain and extend their lead. The final scoring plays highlighted the Tigers' ability to capitalize on free throw opportunities, with Ballard and Jamison contributing significantly to the scoreboard in the closing moments.
The conditions in the Gateway Center were conducive to a spirited matchup, with the home crowd providing support for the Tigers. The atmosphere likely played a role in energizing the team, especially after their recent struggles.
Overall, this game served as a crucial turning point for the Grambling Tigers, showcasing their potential and ability to perform under pressure. The victory not only improves their record but also sets a positive tone as they look to build on this success in future games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NORF -1.5 | 135.5 o -110 / u -110 | Norfolk State Spartans -118 · Grambling Tigers -102 |
Leaders
- PointsAntonio Munoz22Grambling Tigers
- AssistsRoderick Coffee III5Grambling Tigers
- ReboundsAntonio Munoz5Grambling Tigers
- PointsElijah Jamison26Norfolk State Spartans
- AssistsAnthony McComb III4Norfolk State Spartans
- ReboundsDevon Ellis7Norfolk State Spartans
Recent form
Grambling Tigers
Last 10: 3-7Streak L568.7 scored · 71.9 allowed per game2-0 at home
- L60-68at Southern Miss Golden EaglesDec 9
- L63-65at Tulane Green WaveDec 3
- L74-83at UC Riverside HighlandersNov 24
- L59-72at California Baptist LancersNov 22
- L68-78at San Diego TorerosNov 19
- W75-70vs Southern Miss Golden EaglesNov 14
- W73-70at Howard BisonNov 9
- L62-102at Iowa State CyclonesNov 7
- W91-47vs Huston Tillotson RamsNov 4
- L62-64at Alabama State HornetsMar 14
Norfolk State Spartans
Last 10: 3-7Streak L375.5 scored · 72.4 allowed per game0-6 away
- L67-97at Baylor BearsDec 10
- L67-68at James Madison DukesDec 6
- L61-98at Arizona WildcatsNov 29
- W136-79vs Virginia Lynchburg DragonsNov 26
- L67-75at Wyoming CowboysNov 23
- W62-60vs Hampton PiratesNov 22
- L41-51at Towson TigersNov 15
- L57-60at Old Dominion MonarchsNov 12
- L78-81vs William & Mary TribeNov 8
- W119-55vs Regent RoyalsNov 6
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 |
| Bethune-Cookman | 17-15 | - | 14-4 |
| Southern | 17-17 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Florida A&M | 15-16 | 3 | 11-7 |
| Alabama A&M | 18-15 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 13-19 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Texas Southern | 12-18 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Jackson State | 12-21 | 4 | 10-8 |
| Prairie View A&M | 19-18 | 5 | 9-9 |
| Grambling | 14-19 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alabama State | 10-22 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Alcorn State | 9-23 | 7 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi Valley State | 3-30 | 12 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Norfolk State Spartans | Grambling Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-66 | 27-56 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 48 |
| Three-pointers | 3-15 | 9-23 |
| Three-point % | 20 | 39 |
| Free throws | 11-25 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 44 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 44 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 16 | 2 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 31 |
| Assists | 10 | 23 |
| Steals | 5 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 11 | 17 |
| Fast-break points | 17 | 12 |
| Points in the paint | 44 | 36 |
| Fouls | 20 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 23 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half35-53Roderick Coffee III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half37-53Adrean Newton makes layup (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half37-54Rickey Ballard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-54Elijah Jamison makes layup
- 2nd Half40-54Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half40-56Antonio Munoz makes 2-foot dunk (Mekhi Fitts assists)
- 2nd Half42-56Keyontae Lewis makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half42-58Antonio Munoz makes 2-foot dunk (Derrius Ward assists)
- 2nd Half42-59Derrius Ward makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-59Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half44-61Jamil Muttilib makes layup (Devyn Franklin assists)
- 2nd Half44-62Jamil Muttilib makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-64Antonio Munoz makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half44-65Jamil Muttilib makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-66Jamil Muttilib makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half46-66Jordan Leaks makes layup
- 2nd Half46-68Roderick Coffee III makes driving layup (Rickey Ballard assists)
- 2nd Half47-68Anthony McComb III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-70Jamil Muttilib makes 2-foot dunk (Roderick Coffee III assists)
- 2nd Half48-70Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-70Jaquel Morris makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half50-72Rickey Ballard makes layup (Devyn Franklin assists)
- 2nd Half52-72Anthony McComb III makes 18-foot pullup jump shot (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half52-73Roderick Coffee III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-73Anthony McComb III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-73Anthony McComb III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-76Jamil Muttilib makes 25-foot three point jumper (Derrius Ward assists)
- 2nd Half56-76Elijah Jamison makes 19-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half58-76Mykel Jenkins makes layup (Anthony McComb III assists)
- 2nd Half60-76Mykel Jenkins makes layup (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half62-76Elijah Jamison makes 8-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-76Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-76Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-77Rickey Ballard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-78Rickey Ballard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-78Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-78Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-79Rickey Ballard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-80Rickey Ballard makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-80Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Grambling Tigers, below favours Norfolk State Spartans.
Venue
- Gateway CenterCollege Park, GA
- Attendance535
- OfficialsMatt Jarman, Erroll Lewis, Justin McKie
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