Norfolk State men's basketball beats Regent 68-45 in home opener

Norfolk State men's basketball opened its season with a 68-45 win over the Regent Royals on Monday night at Joseph G. Echols Hall. Attendance was 389.

The Spartans improved to 1-0 overall and at home. Regent's record was not listed.

How it played out

Norfolk State led 35-15 at halftime and held the Royals to 30 points in the second half. The Spartans' largest lead was 28 points, and they led for 90 percent of the game. Regent's largest lead was 2.

Norfolk State shot 26-of-57 from the field (46 percent) against 17-of-51 (33 percent) for Regent. The Royals made 5 of 26 three-pointers, while the Spartans were 5 of 19.

Laster leads the way

Bahsil Laster paced the Spartans with 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting, including 5-of-6 at the line, and added 7 rebounds in 30 minutes. J.C. Riley Jr. had 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting and 7 rebounds. Jordan Skyers scored 11, and Jamese Jordan added 8 points on 4-of-5 shooting off the bench.

Keon Mitchell led the team with 5 assists and 3 steals, though he also had 4 turnovers. Dramane Camara scored 7.

Inside and on the glass

Norfolk State outscored Regent 38-24 in the paint and won the rebounding battle 41-34, with 16 offensive boards. The Spartans forced 19 turnovers, had 10 steals and scored 19 points off those turnovers, compared with 14 for the Royals off Norfolk State's 13 giveaways. The Spartans also had 8 fast-break points to none for Regent.

The Spartans made 11 of 22 free throws (50 percent). Regent was 6 of 14.

Regent

Chase Mullen led the Royals with 8 points on 4-of-4 shooting, plus 6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Antoine Brown scored 7, and Chauncey Gilliam and Joshua Hanna and Christian Brown each had 6. Joshua Hanna's 2 assists led Regent.

Up next

Norfolk State plays at home again Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET against the Randolph Wildcats.