The Old Dominion Monarchs downed cross-town rival Norfolk State, 69-62, on Thursday (Jan. 25). The win brings the Monarchs record to 9-11 overall, while the Spartans fall to 4-12 on the year.

The first seven minutes of the game was all Old Dominion as the Monarchs raced out to a 15-0 lead. Norfolk State battled back to within three before the half, however, as Spartan center Darrell Neal netted 10 points before intermission. The Spartans also benefitted from Old Dominion's trouble at the line. The Monarchs were just 5-14 in free throws in the first half.

The game remained at the same tempo throughout much of the second half, as Old Dominion would build a lead which Norfolk State would chip away at.

Norfolk State cut the margin to 3 with just under 10 minutes remaining, but a re-energized Monarch defense would not let the Spartans take the lead. Led by senior center Clifton Jones, who recorded a career high 16 rebounds, the Monarchs closed out the game to pick up their ninth win of the season.

Old Dominion was led in scoring by senior forward Andre McCullum, who recorded 29 points and 10 rebounds. Clifton Jones pitched in 10 points and six blocks to go along with his 16 rebounds. Norfolk State's Darrell Neal finished with 16 points and six rebounds to lead the Spartans.

The Monarchs shot .463 from the floor while Norfolk State shot .410. Both teams had trouble from the line as Old Dominion finished 16-30 and the Spartans were 10-22.

Old Dominion will return to action on Saturday, when they host CAA rival Richmond.