For the first time in program history, Norfolk State University hosted a Power Five opponent at Echols Hall, and the experience proved a harsh lesson in the level of competition. No. 5 Duke entered the arena with confidence and quickly established a lead that the Spartans could not overcome.

Early surge puts Duke in control

Duke opened the game with a 14‑1 run, signaling the intensity they would maintain throughout. By the end of the first quarter, the Blue Devils had stretched the lead to 28‑5, and the gap widened to 51‑13 at halftime. Norfolk State managed only five points in the opening period and struggled to find rhythm on offense.

Dominant second half

The second half offered little respite for the Spartans. Duke’s defense continued to stifle Norfolk State, allowing just ten points over the final two quarters. The Blue Devils shot an efficient 55 percent from the floor and out‑rebounded the home team 42‑25. Norfolk State’s offense sputtered, recording only seven made field goals all game and going 0‑7 from the field in the fourth quarter. The Spartans also missed every three‑point attempt, going 0‑9 from beyond the arc.

Key performances

For Duke, senior guard Toby Fournier led all scorers with 20 points, while Aaliyah Crump added 14 points to the tally. Norfolk State’s top contributors were Sana’a Garrett and Alexis Davis, each scoring five points, and Cire Worley, who pulled down a team‑high seven rebounds.

Looking ahead

Despite the lopsided loss, Norfolk State will return to the court this Saturday for the “Battle of the Bay” against Hampton University. The Spartans hope to rebound from the defeat and demonstrate resilience against a familiar regional opponent.

The game underscored the gap between a top‑ranked Power Five program and a mid‑major team, but it also provided valuable experience for Norfolk State’s players and coaches as they continue to develop their program.

Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.