On January 26th, the Norfolk State men’s basketball team fell at home against the Morgan State Bears 78-79 in a close match up for the “Battle of the Halls” game. The last time the teams faced each other, the Spartans came out on top 90-46.
“It was a tough game, heartbreaker losing at the buzzer, but shout out to the crowd and everyone who came out,” said Spartans head coach Robert Jones. “A lot was learned from the game like camaraderie.”
A narrow match was played with both teams battling to come out on top. The Spartans won the jump ball and put the first points on the board with a two-point jumper from forward Jaquel Morris. Bears guard, Alfred Worrell Jr., responded with a three-pointer, and the Bears kept the lead until about two minutes remaining in the first half.
Pushing to regain their lead, the Spartans went on a 9-1 scoring run starting around 5:30 remaining in the half and tied the Bears 34-34 with about 2:49 left. They continued their scoring run to take the lead and end the first half 42-36.
Coming out of halftime, the Spartans were determined to keep the gap between the Bears and maintain their ten-point lead. Towards the end of the second half, the Bears’ momentum had shifted. Multiple plays were made by their leading player, Worrell, and they fought back to take the lead.
The Bears forced 14 turnovers, which was essential to their offense against the Spartans. With less than two-seconds left, Worrell hit a go-ahead jumper to take over the Spartans and the game 79-78.
Morris scored a career high of 23-points with 11-12 (91.7%) shooting from the field, including some rim-punishing dunks that brought all of Echols to its feet.
Guard Anthony Combs III had 14 points for the Spartans and guard Elijah Jamison scored 13.
Worrell finished with 33 points, shooting 10-19 from the field, including 7-13 from three-point range. In addition, he went 6-7 (85.7%) from the free throw line for the Bears. Guard Elijah Davis was also leading for the Bears scoring 16 points and four assists.
The Spartans overall record is now 10-12 in this current 2025-2026 basketball season. Their next home game is Saturday, February 7th at Josephs Echols Hall against the North Carolina Central Eagles.
Spartan Echo 