Randolph College vs Norfolk State prediction: Norfolk State tunes up its free-throw attack against Division III Randolph
A tune-up against Division III Randolph gives Robert Jones a first look at how his rebuilt roster blends with the foul-drawing, turnover-hunting style that carried Norfolk State last season.
- Norfolk State should control a Division III visitor at Echols Hall, with the result mattering less than how its newcomers fit.
- Watch Norfolk State's pressure: last season it forced turnovers at the 49th-highest rate in Division I.
- No spread or total is posted yet; last season Norfolk State played at 69.2 possessions per 40 minutes, 98th nationally.
A Division III visitor at Echols
Randolph appears to play Division III basketball in the ODAC. Our listing has tip on Wednesday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m. ET in Norfolk, though some public schedules show a different date, so confirm it before tipoff. We hold no Division I data on Randolph. Coach Evan Kee's group leaned young last season, opening with 14 newcomers, including nine first-years, and this season's roster lists freshmen Ayden Barone, Khalil Caple, Chase Depriest and Brian Donohue.
Last season's identity
Norfolk State went 15-17 last season and lost 88-82 to South Carolina State in the MEAC quarterfinals on March 12, a letdown for a team picked first in that season's MEAC preseason poll. The Spartans played inside-out and physical. Their free throw rate (free-throw attempts per field-goal attempt) of 42.4% ranked 21st in Division I. Their 3-point attempt rate ranked 351st, near the bottom for volume from deep.
The weak spots were just as clear. Norfolk State made 69.3% of its free throws, 288th, so it often failed to cash in the trips it earned. Its opponents also lived at the line, with an opponent free throw rate that ranked 346th. Against a smaller Division III roster, the foul-drawing half of that profile should show up more than the fouling half.
New pieces for Jones
Robert Jones is in his 14th season, and this opener is a first look at a reshaped rotation. Transfers on the roster include forward Jahki Gupton from St. Peter's, Elijah Jamison from UNC Wilmington and Anthony McComb III from New Hampshire, along with freshmen Keon Mitchell, Jamese Jordan and Jordan Skyers. We have no figure for how much of last season's playing time returns, so last season's numbers are only a loose guide to this group. No injury or eligibility news had surfaced for either team as of today. Crosstown rival Old Dominion visits Echols Hall on Nov. 11, and that game gives a truer read on these Spartans.
Numbers that matter
| Free throw rate (last season) | 21st | Norfolk State drew fouls at one of the highest rates in Division I, a style that suits a game against a smaller visitor. |
|---|---|---|
| Free throw % (last season) | 69.3% | It ranked 288th, so the Spartans often failed to turn their trips to the line into points. |
| Forced turnover rate (last season) | 19.7% | Ranked 49th, this pressure is the clearest edge to watch against Randolph. |
| 3-point attempt rate (last season) | 351st | Norfolk State rarely relied on the three, so expect the scoring to come at the rim and the line. |
Randolph College vs Norfolk State: quick answers
When is Randolph College vs Norfolk State?
Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.