Dukes Edge Spartans in Nail-Biting Finish
Saturday, December 6, 2025, 2:00 PM ET · Atlantic Union Bank Center
James Madison Dukes 68, Norfolk State Spartans 67, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Norfolk State Spartans vs James Madison Dukes?
James Madison Dukes beat Norfolk State Spartans 68-67 at Atlantic Union Bank Center on December 6, 2025.
Who was favored in Norfolk State Spartans vs James Madison Dukes?
James Madison Dukes were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -575 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling contest at the Atlantic Union Bank Center, the James Madison Dukes narrowly defeated the Norfolk State Spartans with a final score of 68-67. This matchup was particularly noteworthy as it marked the second meeting between these teams, with Norfolk State having won the previous encounter on November 9, 2024, by a score of 83-69.
James Madison entered the game with a home record of 7-4 and had been performing well recently, boasting a 6-4 record over their last ten games. They were on a one-game winning streak following a victory against North Carolina Central Eagles on December 4, where they won 67-62. The Dukes averaged 75.8 points scored while allowing 74.9 points during this stretch, reflecting a competitive nature in their games. At home, they had been particularly strong, holding a perfect 5-0 record in their last five home games, averaging 76.4 points scored and allowing 73.6 points.
On the other hand, the Norfolk State Spartans came into the game with a 4-6 overall record. They had a mixed performance lately, with a 5-5 record in their last ten games but were on a one-game losing streak after falling to Arizona Wildcats 61-98 on November 29. The Spartans averaged 78.5 points scored and allowed 70.0 points during their recent stretch. However, their away performance had been concerning, as they struggled with a 0-4 record in their last four away games.
The betting odds from DraftKings indicated that James Madison was favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 138.5. The home money line was priced at -575, while Norfolk State's money line was at 425. This suggested that the market had a strong belief in James Madison's ability to secure a victory, given their home advantage and recent form.
In terms of player performances, the game featured several key moments. In the second half, Elijah Jamison made a crucial free throw that brought the score to 63-59 in favor of the Dukes. Justin McBride then added a layup and another free throw, extending James Madison's lead to 66-59. However, the Spartans fought back, with Keyontae Lewis making several jumpers, bringing Norfolk State within striking distance at 67-66. Ultimately, Gabe Newhof's layup sealed the game for the Dukes, ensuring they held on for the win.
The game was played under competitive conditions, with both teams showcasing their skills and determination. The Dukes' ability to capitalize on key scoring plays in the closing moments proved decisive, allowing them to maintain their home dominance. As the season progresses, James Madison will look to build on this victory, while Norfolk State will seek to improve their away performance and bounce back in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | JMU -10.5 | 138.5 o -112 / u -108 | Norfolk State Spartans +425 · James Madison Dukes -575 |
Leaders
- PointsJustin McBride33James Madison Dukes
- AssistsBradley Douglas6James Madison Dukes
- ReboundsJustin McBride8James Madison Dukes
- PointsDevon Ellis17Norfolk State Spartans
- AssistsElijah Jamison2Norfolk State Spartans
- ReboundsJordan Leaks10Norfolk State Spartans
Recent form
James Madison Dukes
Last 10: 6-4Streak W175.8 scored · 74.9 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W67-62vs North Carolina Central EaglesDec 4
- L66-82at George Mason PatriotsNov 29
- W88-77vs Omaha MavericksNov 26
- W80-72at Florida International PanthersNov 25
- W81-75vs Towson TigersNov 19
- L79-88at Long Island University SharksNov 16
- L72-82at Longwood LancersNov 13
- W84-70vs Coppin State EaglesNov 9
- W70-56vs Washington and Lee GeneralsNov 6
- L71-85at Akron ZipsNov 4
Norfolk State Spartans
Last 10: 5-5Streak L178.5 scored · 70 allowed per game0-4 away
- 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
- W98-76vs Washington Adventist ShockNov 4
- W66-65vs South Carolina State BulldogsMar 15
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 |
| Troy | 22-12 | - | 12-6 |
| South Alabama | 21-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Arkansas State | 20-12 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Texas State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Marshall | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| Coastal Carolina | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| App State | 19-13 | 1 | 11-7 |
| James Madison | 18-15 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Southern Miss | 19-16 | 3 | 9-9 |
| Georgia Southern | 21-16 | 4 | 8-10 |
| Old Dominion | 12-21 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Louisiana | 11-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| Georgia State | 10-22 | 5 | 7-11 |
| UL Monroe | 4-28 | 11 | 1-17 |
Box score
| Stat | Norfolk State Spartans | James Madison Dukes |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 28-52 | 24-54 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 3-8 | 8-29 |
| Three-point % | 38 | 28 |
| Free throws | 8-17 | 12-22 |
| Free throw % | 47 | 55 |
| Rebounds | 38 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 28 | 22 |
| Assists | 6 | 13 |
| Steals | 4 | 14 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 15 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 30 |
| Fouls | 18 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 6 | 89 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half29-35Anthony McComb III made Free Throw.
- 1st Half30-35Anthony McComb III made Free Throw.
- 1st Half32-35Elijah Jamison made Jumper.
- 2nd Half34-35Adrean Newton made Layup.
- 2nd Half34-37Justin McBride made Jumper.
- 2nd Half34-38Justin McBride made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half34-39Justin McBride made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half36-39Devon Ellis made Jumper.
- 2nd Half37-39Anthony McComb III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-39Anthony McComb III made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half38-42Preston Fowler made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Bradley Douglas.
- 2nd Half41-42Anthony McComb III made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Jordan Leaks.
- 2nd Half43-42Keyontae Lewis made Layup. Assisted by Elijah Jamison.
- 2nd Half45-42Devon Ellis made Layup.
- 2nd Half45-43Christian Brown made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half45-44Christian Brown made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-44Devon Ellis made Layup.
- 2nd Half47-47Justin McBride made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Paul Lewis.
- 2nd Half47-49Justin McBride made Layup.
- 2nd Half49-49Elijah Jamison made Jumper.
- 2nd Half49-50Justin McBride made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-51Justin McBride made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half51-51Elijah Jamison made Jumper.
- 2nd Half51-54Preston Fowler made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Paul Lewis.
- 2nd Half53-54Mykel Jenkins made Layup.
- 2nd Half55-54Elijah Jamison made Jumper.
- 2nd Half55-57Justin McBride made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Bradley Douglas.
- 2nd Half55-58Gabe Newhof made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half55-59Gabe Newhof made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-59Elijah Jamison made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Devon Ellis.
- 2nd Half58-62Justin McBride made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Bradley Douglas.
- 2nd Half58-63Justin McBride made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-63Elijah Jamison made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half59-65Justin McBride made Layup.
- 2nd Half59-66Justin McBride made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-66Jordan Leaks made Two Point Tip Shot.
- 2nd Half63-66Keyontae Lewis made Jumper.
- 2nd Half65-66Keyontae Lewis made Jumper.
- 2nd Half65-68Gabe Newhof made Layup.
- 2nd Half67-68Keyontae Lewis made Jumper.
Win probability
Above the line favours James Madison Dukes, below favours Norfolk State Spartans.
Venue
- Atlantic Union Bank CenterHarrisonburg, VA
- Attendance2730
- OfficialsJason Baker, Hunter Allen, Matt Jarman
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond