Norfolk State Defeats Jackson State 82-72 in NCAAB Clash
Friday, December 19, 2025, 7:30 PM ET · Gateway Center
Norfolk State Spartans 82, Jackson State Tigers 72, 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 Jackson State Tigers?
Norfolk State Spartans beat Jackson State Tigers 82-72 at Gateway Center on December 19, 2025.
Who was favored in Norfolk State Spartans vs Jackson State Tigers?
Norfolk State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -245 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup at the Gateway Center, the Norfolk State Spartans secured an 82-72 victory over the Jackson State Tigers. This game highlighted the struggles of both teams, particularly Jackson State, which has now lost five consecutive games, continuing their difficult season with a home record of 1-11 and an overall record of 1-9 in their last ten games.
Norfolk State, while also facing challenges, came into this game with a better overall record of 5-8. However, they too have been on a downward trend, losing their last four games. In their last ten outings, they have a record of 2-8, with an average of 70.4 points scored per game and 74.9 points allowed. This performance indicates a slight edge in scoring compared to Jackson State, which has averaged just 60.2 points while allowing a staggering 87.1 points over the same stretch.
The scoring dynamics of this game reflected the recent trends of both teams. Norfolk State's ability to score effectively was crucial, especially as they managed to maintain a lead throughout the contest. Jackson State's recent form has been particularly concerning, as they have struggled defensively, allowing opponents to score heavily against them. The Tigers' last five games have seen them average just 58.4 points scored while giving up 78.0 points, a stark contrast to Norfolk State's averages.
At home, Jackson State has not fared well, holding a home record of 0-2 in their last two games, while their away record stands at 1-7. Conversely, Norfolk State has performed slightly better at home with a record of 2-1, but they have been unable to replicate that success on the road, posting an away record of 0-7.
The injury report did not play a significant role in this matchup, as both teams fielded their regular lineups. However, the mental and physical fatigue from their recent losses likely affected both squads' performance.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Norfolk State favored by 5.5 points, with a total set at 140.5. The odds reflected the expectation of a competitive game, although the final score indicated a more comfortable win for Norfolk State than anticipated.
Conditions in the Gateway Center were typical for a college basketball game, with a spirited atmosphere from fans supporting both teams. This environment may have played a role in the Tigers' performance, as they looked to leverage home-court advantage.
As the game unfolded, viewers witnessed key moments that defined the outcome. Daeshun Ruffin was pivotal for Norfolk State, contributing significantly to the scoring with crucial free throws and a long three-pointer late in the game. His performance, alongside Jaquel Morris, who also made important contributions from the free-throw line, showcased Norfolk State's ability to execute under pressure.
In summary, the game served as a reflection of the current state of both programs, with Norfolk State finding a way to secure a much-needed victory while Jackson State continues to seek answers amid a challenging season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NORF -5.5 | 140.5 o -105 / u -115 | Norfolk State Spartans -245 · Jackson State Tigers +200 |
Leaders
- PointsDaeshun Ruffin25Jackson State Tigers
- AssistsDaeshun Ruffin6Jackson State Tigers
- ReboundsJayme Mitchell Jr.6Jackson State Tigers
- PointsElijah Jamison30Norfolk State Spartans
- AssistsAdrean Newton7Norfolk State Spartans
- ReboundsJaquel Morris8Norfolk State Spartans
Recent form
Jackson State Tigers
Last 10: 1-9Streak L460.2 scored · 87.1 allowed per game0-2 at home
- L77-84vs Hampton PiratesDec 18
- L53-93at Northwestern WildcatsDec 13
- L38-80at Houston CougarsDec 11
- L73-88at Kennesaw State OwlsDec 3
- W51-45at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsNov 29
- L62-80vs Winthrop EaglesNov 24
- L61-115at Arkansas RazorbacksNov 22
- L66-112at Auburn TigersNov 20
- L51-68at Louisiana Tech BulldogsNov 16
- L70-106at Louisville CardinalsNov 7
Norfolk State Spartans
Last 10: 2-8Streak L470.4 scored · 74.9 allowed per game0-7 away
- L68-80at Grambling TigersDec 19
- 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
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 | Jackson State Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-58 | 25-61 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 41 |
| Three-pointers | 10-23 | 10-26 |
| Three-point % | 43 | 38 |
| Free throws | 20-24 | 12-16 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 75 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 27 | 23 |
| Assists | 23 | 18 |
| Steals | 5 | 6 |
| Blocks | 3 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 16 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 25 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 24 | 28 |
| Fouls | 18 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 26 | 4 |
| Lead changes | 7 | 7 |
| Time in front | 83 | 12 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-36Anthony McComb III makes 11-foot pullup jump shot (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half50-36Elijah Jamison makes driving layup (Adrean Newton assists)
- 2nd Half53-36Anthony McComb III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half56-36Anthony McComb III makes 25-foot three point jumper (Keyontae Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half58-36Devon Ellis makes driving layup (Keyontae Lewis assists)
- 2nd Half58-38Devin Ree makes 10-foot jumper (Dorian McMillian assists)
- 2nd Half61-38Elijah Jamison makes 23-foot three point jumper (Devon Ellis assists)
- 2nd Half61-40Devin Ree makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half61-42Kobe Butler makes 3-foot hook shot (Devin Ree assists)
- 2nd Half63-42Anthony McComb III makes layup
- 2nd Half63-44Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 13-foot jumper (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half66-44Elijah Jamison makes 26-foot three point jumper (Devon Ellis assists)
- 2nd Half66-46Daeshun Ruffin makes 10-foot floating jump shot (Jayme Mitchell Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half66-47Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half68-47Melo Baines makes 5-foot turnaround jump shot (Devon Ellis assists)
- 2nd Half70-47Jordan Leaks makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half73-47Adrean Newton makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jordan Leaks assists)
- 2nd Half73-48Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-50Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes layup
- 2nd Half73-51Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-53Kobe Butler makes layup (Daeshun Ruffin assists)
- 2nd Half73-56Daeshun Ruffin makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kobe Butler assists)
- 2nd Half73-58Daeshun Ruffin makes layup
- 2nd Half73-59Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half74-59Jaquel Morris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-60Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-63Jayme Mitchell Jr. makes 23-foot three point jumper (Dorian McMillian assists)
- 2nd Half75-63Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-63Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-63Anthony McComb III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-63Anthony McComb III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-64Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-65Daeshun Ruffin makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-67Daeshun Ruffin makes layup
- 2nd Half79-67Jaquel Morris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-67Anthony McComb III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-70Daeshun Ruffin makes 26-foot three point jumper (Devin Ree assists)
- 2nd Half81-70Jaquel Morris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-70Jaquel Morris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-72Delyle Williams makes layup
Win probability
Above the line favours Jackson State Tigers, below favours Norfolk State Spartans.
Venue
- Gateway CenterCollege Park, GA
- Attendance375
- OfficialsDonta Carter, Matt Jarman, Marvin Harris Jr.
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