Image via Jaymonte McLeod/NSU Athletics
The Norfolk State Spartans bounced back in dramatic fashion Thursday night, edging the LBP White All-Stars 82-81 in their second game of the San Juan Shootout in Manatí, Puerto Rico. The victory evened the Spartans’ exhibition record at 1-1 after Wednesday’s narrow 79-77 loss to the LBP Blue All-Stars.
Despite committing 22 turnovers that resulted in 25 points for the LBP White All-Stars, Norfolk State found a way to grind out the victory behind another stellar offensive performance from Anthony McComb.
McComb poured in a game-high 30 points, shooting 9-of-15 from the field, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range, while converting all seven of his free-throw attempts. Jordan Skyers bounced back with an impressive all-around performance, finishing with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. Elijah Jamison also reached double figures, adding 10 points for the Spartans, while Justin Jones delivered the game’s biggest basket with the go-ahead score in the final two minutes.
“That was a tough-fought win on the road,” Norfolk State head coach Robert Jones said. “Another standout performance from Anthony McComb. However, a bounce-back performance for Jordan Skyers and then a timely go-ahead basket by Justin Jones with under two minutes left helped seal the game. I’m proud of our performance today through extreme hostility.”
The Spartans showed resilience throughout the contest, overcoming their turnover issues with timely shot-making and clutch execution in the closing minutes. Norfolk State has now played back-to-back games decided by a combined three points, providing valuable experience against professional competition as the team prepares for the 2026-27 season.
Norfolk State concludes its three-game trip to Puerto Rico on Friday against the LBP Red All-Stars, looking to leave the San Juan Shootout with a winning record before returning home to continue preparations for the upcoming season.
