Norfolk State's men's basketball team lost a close game to the LBP Blue All-Stars, finishing 79-77 in their opening match of the 2026 San Juan Shootout. Despite the loss, the Spartans showcased determination, with Anthony McComb III leading the scoring with 26 points. The team's next matchup is against the LBP White All-Stars, scheduled for Thursday at 8 p.m. Head coach Robert Jones expressed pride in the team's effort given their limited roster.

By the Numbers
  • Norfolk State led rebounding with 46 total boards, compared to LBP's 42.
  • McComb scored 26 points; he was followed by Jamison with 11 and Skyers with 10.
Yes, But

While the game highlighted strengths, such as rebounding ability, the Spartans struggled at the free-throw line, which ultimately impacted their ability to secure a win.

State of Play
  • The match featured 15 lead changes and nine ties, demonstrating a balanced rivalry.
  • Norfolk State scored 20 offensive rebounds, significantly contributing to their second-chance points advantage (13-7).
What's Next

Looking forward, the Spartans face a potentially tougher opponent in the LBP White All-Stars and will need to improve their free-throw shooting and maintain their rebounding dominance for a better chance at victory.

Bottom Line

Despite the loss, Norfolk State displayed resilience and strong rebounding, indicating potential for growth as they continue their tournament play. The Spartans must capitalize on their strengths and learn quickly from this experience to keep competitive.