Regent vs Norfolk State prediction: Norfolk State brings back everyone for a Division III tune-up with Regent
Robert Jones returns his whole rotation, and Regent's first game under Barry Hollenbeck comes against a team built to attack the rim and the free-throw line.
- Norfolk State should control this from the start: its full rotation returns, and Regent is a Division III program opening a new coaching era.
- Watch Anthony McComb III, who scored 17.1 points per game last season and shot 38.1% from three on 168 attempts.
- No spread or total had been posted. The teams' last meeting is the best guide: Norfolk State won it 119-55 last November.
A full house in Norfolk
Robert Jones, in his 14th season, gets a rare luxury. Norfolk State's roster accounts for 100.0% of last season's minutes, so the 15-17 team from 2025-26 is the same group that takes the floor at Echols Hall on Monday, Nov. 2.
That team's identity was physical. It drew fouls at a free throw rate (free-throw attempts per field-goal attempt) of 42.4%, 21st of 365 in Division I. It also forced turnovers on 19.7% of opponent possessions, 49th nationally. Against a Division III opponent, that pressure should produce extra possessions in bunches.
Regent starts the Hollenbeck era
Regent, which competes in NCAA Division III, opens with Barry Hollenbeck newly promoted to head coach. Little is known about the Royals' 2026-27 roster or transfer moves, so there is little to judge them by beyond last season's trip here, when Norfolk State won 119-55.
What to watch
- Shot selection. Norfolk State took only 30.2% of its shots from three last season, 351st in the country. Expect drives and post touches rather than a barrage from outside. Those trips came with 69.3% shooting at the line last season, 288th nationally, which can keep a margin from ballooning. - Second chances. The Spartans grabbed 33.8% of their own misses last season, 88th in Division I, a real edge against a smaller-school frontcourt. - Devon Ellis's efficiency. He posted a 59.1% effective field goal percentage (threes count 1.5 times) last season and could feast inside.
Key players
- Anthony McComb III (Norfolk State): Started all 32 games last season, averaging 17.1 points and hitting 38.1% from three.
- Elijah Jamison (Norfolk State): Carried a team-high 28.1% usage rate last season while scoring 14.6 points per game.
- Devon Ellis (Norfolk State): The most efficient regular last season with a 122.7 offensive rating and 11.1 points per game.
Numbers that matter
| Returning minutes | 100.0% | Every minute from last season's Norfolk State rotation is back on the roster. |
|---|---|---|
| Free throw rate, last season | 42.4% | Ranked 21st of 365, showing how often the Spartans got to the line. |
| Forced turnover rate, last season | 19.7% | Ranked 49th nationally, pressure that should trouble a Division III backcourt. |
| Last meeting | 119-55 | Norfolk State's margin over Regent last November shows the gap between the programs. |
Regent vs Norfolk State: quick answers
When is Regent vs Norfolk State?
Monday, November 2, 2026 at 8:00 PM ET.