South Carolina State Upsets Norfolk State 88-82
Thursday, March 12, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Norfolk Scope Arena
South Carolina State Bulldogs 88, Norfolk State Spartans 82, 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 South Carolina State Bulldogs vs Norfolk State Spartans?
South Carolina State Bulldogs beat Norfolk State Spartans 88-82 at Norfolk Scope Arena on March 12, 2026.
Who was favored in South Carolina State Bulldogs vs Norfolk State Spartans?
Norfolk State Spartans were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -380 (about 79% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling matchup, the South Carolina State Bulldogs defeated the Norfolk State Spartans 88-82 at the Norfolk Scope Arena. This victory marks a significant turnaround for the Bulldogs, who had struggled throughout the season, finishing with a 10-21 record compared to the Spartans' 15-17. South Carolina State's recent form has seen them win their last two games, while Norfolk State has lost their last two, highlighting a stark contrast in momentum heading into this contest.
The Spartans entered the game with a record of 6-4 over their last ten games, averaging 78.6 points scored and allowing 74.9 points. However, their recent losses to Howard and Morgan State seemed to weigh heavily on them. In contrast, South Carolina State had a record of 4-5-1 in their last ten games, averaging 61.4 points scored and 64.2 points allowed. Their recent victories against North Carolina Central and Delaware State showcased a potential resurgence, as they managed to score 80 and 61 points respectively.
Home and away performances also played a crucial role in this matchup. Norfolk State had a home record of 4-2 in their last six games, while South Carolina State had struggled on the road, with a 2-3 record in their last five away games. Historically, Norfolk State has had the upper hand in their recent meetings, boasting a 4-1 record against the Bulldogs over the past two seasons. Their last encounter on February 21, 2026, ended in a decisive 90-71 victory for the Spartans.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any key players missing from either team, suggesting that both squads were at full strength for this critical matchup. The betting lines from DraftKings indicated that Norfolk State was favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 144.5. This spread reflected the expectations for Norfolk State to perform well at home, despite their recent struggles.
Conditions during the game were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup, with both teams looking to establish their rhythm early. As the game progressed, South Carolina State found their stride, particularly in the second half, where they capitalized on free throw opportunities and made crucial three-point shots. Notable scoring plays included Anthony McComb III's impressive long-range shooting, which kept the Bulldogs ahead in the closing moments.
In the end, South Carolina State's ability to execute under pressure and convert free throws proved decisive, as they maintained their lead and secured the upset victory. This game serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where momentum can shift rapidly, and underdogs can rise to the occasion.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | NORF -7.5 | 144.5 o -108 / u -112 | South Carolina State Bulldogs +300 · Norfolk State Spartans -380 |
Leaders
- PointsElijah Jamison24Norfolk State Spartans
- AssistsElijah Jamison2Norfolk State Spartans
- ReboundsDevon Ellis6Norfolk State Spartans
- PointsJayden Johnson28South Carolina State Bulldogs
- AssistsDerwin Hodge Jr.3South Carolina State Bulldogs
- ReboundsJayden Johnson5South Carolina State Bulldogs
Recent form
Norfolk State Spartans
Last 10: 6-4Streak L278.6 scored · 74.9 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L76-84vs Howard BisonMar 6
- L84-90at Morgan State BearsMar 2
- W75-69at Coppin State EaglesFeb 28
- W90-71vs South Carolina State BulldogsFeb 21
- W70-66at Maryland Eastern Shore HawksFeb 17
- W75-58vs Delaware State HornetsFeb 14
- W75-68vs North Carolina Central EaglesFeb 7
- L60-88at Howard BisonJan 31
- L78-79vs Morgan State BearsJan 27
- W103-76vs Coppin State EaglesJan 24
South Carolina State Bulldogs
Last 10: 4-5-1Streak W261.4 scored · 64.2 allowed per game2-3 away
- W80-64at North Carolina Central EaglesMar 5
- W61-59at Delaware State HornetsMar 3
- L57-69at Maryland Eastern Shore HawksFeb 28
- L83-90vs Morgan State BearsFeb 25
- L71-90at Norfolk State SpartansFeb 21
- W85-72vs North Carolina Central EaglesFeb 19
- L57-59vs Coppin State EaglesFeb 16
- D0-0vs Morgan State BearsFeb 14
- L57-85at Howard BisonFeb 7
- W63-54vs Maryland Eastern Shore HawksFeb 5
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 | South Carolina State Bulldogs | Norfolk State Spartans |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-58 | 26-59 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 44 |
| Three-pointers | 5-18 | 6-20 |
| Three-point % | 28 | 30 |
| Free throws | 25-34 | 24-27 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 89 |
| Rebounds | 33 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 13 | 15 |
| Defensive rebounds | 20 | 19 |
| Assists | 13 | 10 |
| Steals | 9 | 5 |
| Blocks | 8 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 18 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 22 | 23 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 42 | 30 |
| Fouls | 18 | 25 |
| Largest lead | 15 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 96 | 2 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half63-50Jayden Johnson makes 28-foot three point jumper (Owen Bronston Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half63-51Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-52Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-54Devon Ellis makes layup (Jordan Leaks assists)
- 2nd Half63-55Devon Ellis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half66-55Noah Treadwell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Derwin Hodge Jr. assists)
- 2nd Half66-56Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-57Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-57Derwin Hodge Jr. makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half70-57Jayden Johnson makes driving layup (Florian Tenebay assists)
- 2nd Half72-57Florian Tenebay makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half72-59Elijah Jamison makes layup
- 2nd Half72-60Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half73-60Florian Tenebay makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-61Elijah Jamison makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-62Elijah Jamison makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-62James Morrow makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-62James Morrow makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-64Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-64Florian Tenebay makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half77-64Florian Tenebay makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half77-67Jordan Leaks makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half78-67Rayniel Wright makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-69Anthony McComb III makes 20-foot jumper (Elijah Jamison assists)
- 2nd Half79-69Florian Tenebay makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-69Florian Tenebay makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-69Rayniel Wright makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-72Elijah Jamison makes 25-foot three point jumper (Anthony McComb III assists)
- 2nd Half81-73Anthony McComb III makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half81-74Anthony McComb III makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half81-76Elijah Jamison makes driving layup
- 2nd Half82-76Jayden Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half83-76Jayden Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-76Florian Tenebay makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half85-76Florian Tenebay makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half85-79Anthony McComb III makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dian Wright-Forde assists)
- 2nd Half86-79Noah Treadwell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half87-79Noah Treadwell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half87-82Anthony McComb III makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jordan Leaks assists)
- 2nd Half88-82Rayniel Wright makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Norfolk State Spartans, below favours South Carolina State Bulldogs.
Venue
- Norfolk Scope ArenaNorfolk, VA
- OfficialsHaywood Bostic, Galen Durant, CJ Middlebrooks
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