Eagles Edge Spartans in Close Contest
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 4:30 PM ET · McDougald-McLendon Arena
North Carolina Central Eagles 69, Norfolk State Spartans 67, 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 North Carolina Central Eagles?
North Carolina Central Eagles beat Norfolk State Spartans 69-67 at McDougald-McLendon Arena on January 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Norfolk State Spartans vs North Carolina Central Eagles?
Norfolk State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
The North Carolina Central Eagles secured a narrow victory against the Norfolk State Spartans, finishing the game with a score of 69 to 67. This matchup took place at McDougald-McLendon Arena, highlighting the competitive nature of both teams as they battled for a crucial win in the NCAAB season.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, the Eagles at 5-11 and the Spartans at 6-11. The Eagles have struggled recently, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games and currently on a two-game losing streak. They have averaged 77.2 points scored and allowed 74.9 points during this stretch. In contrast, the Spartans also recorded a 3-7 record over their last ten games, but they too are on a two-game losing streak, averaging 74.4 points scored while allowing 79.2 points.
At home, the Eagles have a record of 3-2, while they have struggled away, with an 0-5 record. The Spartans have fared slightly better at home with a 1-1 record but have a disappointing 2-6 record on the road. This game was particularly significant as it marked the third meeting between the two teams in the current season, with both teams having won one game each prior to this matchup. The Eagles won their previous encounter on March 4, 2025, with a score of 91-87, while the Spartans had taken the earlier game on February 4, 2025, winning 81-78.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details on player availability, but both teams have faced challenges with their rosters throughout the season. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that the Spartans were favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 141.5 points. The odds for the home team to win were listed at +120, while the away team had odds of -142.
As for the conditions during the game, the block did not specify any particular environmental factors, but the atmosphere in McDougald-McLendon Arena was likely charged, given the stakes of the matchup. Fans witnessed a closely contested game that featured several lead changes and tight scoring in the final minutes.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays that kept the tension high. Devon Ellis made critical free throws that brought the Spartans within striking distance, while Khouri Carvey and Tekao Carpenter contributed significant baskets for the Eagles. The game culminated in a nail-biting finish, with Dionte Johnson's free throw sealing the victory for the Eagles.
Overall, the Eagles' ability to hold on for the win despite the Spartans' late-game efforts showcased their resilience and determination, giving them a crucial boost as they look to improve their season record.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NORF -1.5 | 141.5 o -115 / u -105 | Norfolk State Spartans -142 · North Carolina Central Eagles +120 |
Leaders
- PointsKhouri Carvey24North Carolina Central Eagles
- AssistsDionte Johnson7North Carolina Central Eagles
- ReboundsKhouri Carvey11North Carolina Central Eagles
- PointsDevon Ellis18Norfolk State Spartans
- AssistsDevon Ellis4Norfolk State Spartans
- ReboundsDevon Ellis8Norfolk State Spartans
Recent form
North Carolina Central Eagles
Last 10: 3-7Streak L277.2 scored · 74.9 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L67-90at Penn State Nittany LionsDec 29
- L72-74vs Longwood LancersDec 20
- W96-62vs Mid Atlantic Christian MustangsDec 18
- L67-103at Kentucky WildcatsDec 10
- L54-69vs North Carolina A&T AggiesDec 6
- L62-67at James Madison DukesDec 4
- W109-61vs Carolina University BruinsNov 29
- L67-82at South Carolina Upstate SpartansNov 26
- L55-74at Dayton FlyersNov 22
- W123-67vs Toccoa Falls EaglesNov 19
Norfolk State Spartans
Last 10: 3-7Streak L274.4 scored · 79.2 allowed per game2-6 away
- L54-63at Louisiana Ragin' CajunsDec 28
- L70-89vs UC Irvine AnteatersDec 23
- W72-71at UTEP MinersDec 22
- W82-72at Jackson State TigersDec 20
- 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
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 | Norfolk State Spartans | North Carolina Central Eagles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 25-62 | 24-62 |
| Field goal % | 40 | 39 |
| Three-pointers | 4-17 | 4-21 |
| Three-point % | 24 | 19 |
| Free throws | 13-20 | 17-25 |
| Free throw % | 65 | 68 |
| Rebounds | 40 | 44 |
| Offensive rebounds | 17 | 19 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 25 |
| Assists | 9 | 17 |
| Steals | 7 | 6 |
| Blocks | 9 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 2 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 13 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 38 |
| Fouls | 18 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 5 | 9 |
| Lead changes | 3 | 3 |
| Time in front | 16 | 78 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half31-40Khouri Carvey makes layup (Dionte Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half33-40Adrean Newton makes 5-foot floating jump shot (Devon Ellis assists)
- 2nd Half33-41Khouri Carvey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half33-42Khouri Carvey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-42Devon Ellis makes 15-foot jumper (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half37-42Devon Ellis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half38-42Devon Ellis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half38-43Gage Lattimore makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half38-44Gage Lattimore makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half38-45Dionte Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-45Devon Ellis makes 27-foot three point jumper (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half41-47Khouri Carvey makes layup
- 2nd Half41-48Jae Slack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half42-48Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-48Dian Wright-Forde makes 15-foot jumper
- 2nd Half44-51Tekao Carpenter makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jae Slack assists)
- 2nd Half44-53Jae Slack makes driving layup
- 2nd Half45-53Dian Wright-Forde makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-53Dian Wright-Forde makes driving layup
- 2nd Half47-54Khouri Carvey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half47-55Khouri Carvey makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-55Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-55Dian Wright-Forde makes 6-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half51-56Jae Slack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-57Jae Slack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-57Elijah Jamison makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dian Wright-Forde assists)
- 2nd Half56-57Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half56-59Gage Lattimore makes driving layup (Tekao Carpenter assists)
- 2nd Half58-59Dian Wright-Forde makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-60Jae Slack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-61Jae Slack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half58-63Jae Slack makes driving layup (Gage Lattimore assists)
- 2nd Half59-63Devon Ellis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-63Devon Ellis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-63Anthony McComb III makes layup
- 2nd Half62-65Khouri Carvey makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half64-65Devon Ellis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half64-68Tekao Carpenter makes 24-foot three point jumper (Gage Lattimore assists)
- 2nd Half67-68Elijah Jamison makes 26-foot three point jumper (Devon Ellis assists)
- 2nd Half67-69Dionte Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours North Carolina Central Eagles, below favours Norfolk State Spartans.
Venue
- McDougald-McLendon ArenaDurham, NC
- Attendance1054
- OfficialsKeith Bennett, Byron Rosier, Jarrett Robinson
Elsewhere
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- 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