image via Teeah Monroe
Norfolk State’s new-look backcourt continues to make an early impression.
Jordan Skyers and Bahsil Laster delivered a combined 42 points Wednesday night, leading the Spartans to a 78-71 victory over Randolph at Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall in Norfolk, Virginia.
The victory moves Norfolk State to 2-0 to open the 2026-27 men’s basketball season.
Skyers led all scorers with 22 points, shooting 9-of-17 from the floor while adding six steals, three rebounds and a blocked shot. The freshman guard continued to demonstrate why he arrived in Norfolk with considerable expectations.
Laster complemented Skyers with 20 points and seven assists. The junior guard shot 6-of-10 from the field and converted eight of his 10 free-throw attempts while adding three rebounds and two blocks.
Chris Walker provided another major contribution, finishing with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting. Walker connected on three of his five attempts from beyond the arc and scored 15 points in the second half.
Spartans Take Control After Halftime
Norfolk State entered halftime with a narrow 35-34 advantage following a competitive opening 20 minutes that featured nine lead changes and seven ties.
The Spartans came out of the break with increased urgency, opening the second half with six consecutive points to establish some separation.
After Randolph worked its way back into the contest, cutting the deficit to 50-48, Norfolk State responded with a decisive 10-0 run.
Keon Mitchell knocked down a three-pointer, Laster finished a dunk following a steal, Walker connected from three-point range, and Ahmad Torrence helped create another transition opportunity with a steal that led to a Walker layup.
That sequence pushed the Spartans’ advantage to 60-48 with 9:40 remaining.
Skyers continued making life difficult for Randolph’s offense, recording consecutive steals late in the game that helped set up additional baskets from Laster.
Norfolk State eventually built its largest lead at 75-60 before closing out the seven-point victory.
Inside the Numbers
The Spartans’ defensive pressure and transition offense played a significant role in the outcome.
Norfolk State scored 27 fast-break points compared to Randolph’s 10 and converted 15 WildCats turnovers into 21 points.
The Spartans also held a 40-30 advantage in points in the paint and recorded 12 steals and eight blocked shots.
Randolph outrebounded Norfolk State 46-40 and produced 17 second-chance points, but struggled offensively, shooting 34.8% from the field and 6-of-26 from three-point range.
Khalil Caple paced Randolph with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Chase James recorded 12 points and 11 rebounds.
What’s Next for Norfolk State?
The Spartans will take their undefeated start on the road Sunday, November 8, when they visit William & Mary. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
Norfolk State entered the season picked third in the 2026-27 MEAC preseason poll, with Laster and Skyers both earning spots on the conference’s preseason watch list.
Through two games, the early returns on the Spartans’ new backcourt have been encouraging.
Skyers is already showing his ability to impact the game on both ends, while Laster’s scoring and playmaking give Norfolk State another dependable offensive option.
The Spartans have an early-season foundation worth watching as they prepare for MEAC competition.
