SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Norfolk State opened its 2026 international tour Wednesday night with a hard-fought 79-77 loss to the LBP Blue All-Stars in the first game of the San Juan Summer Shootout.
The Spartans entered the matchup looking to gain valuable early-season experience against international competition, and the opener delivered exactly the type of test head coach Robert Jones and his staff were hoping for.
Norfolk State trailed 37-36 at halftime before the game turned into a back-and-forth battle over the final 20 minutes. The Spartans continued to compete until the final possession, but LBP Blue All-Stars ultimately held on for the two-point victory. (Bleacher Report)
The narrow defeat comes at the beginning of an important developmental stretch for Norfolk State. The Spartans traveled to Puerto Rico with a roster featuring nine newcomers, including five transfers and a four-player freshman class. The international tour provides Jones and his staff an opportunity to evaluate the new-look roster well before official preseason practice begins. (Norfolk State University Athletics)
Among the notable newcomers are transfers Brandon Gardner, Jahki Gupton, Chris Walker, Jerome “J.C.” Riley Jr. and Miles Mitchell. Norfolk State also returns five players from last season’s roster, giving the coaching staff a mix of experience and new pieces to evaluate throughout the three-game trip. (Norfolk State University Athletics)
Wednesday’s game also marked the first of three consecutive contests against the LBP All-Stars. Norfolk State is scheduled to return to the floor Thursday night before closing out the Puerto Rican tour Friday.
All three games are scheduled for 8 p.m. ET and are being streamed through BallerTV. (Norfolk State University Athletics)
While the result wasn’t what the Spartans wanted, the opening-night experience offered an early glimpse at a team still developing its identity.
For Norfolk State, the biggest takeaway may ultimately be the opportunity itself: three games, new competition, extended time together and a chance to build chemistry before the games begin to count.
The Spartans will have another opportunity to do just that Thursday night.
Final: LBP Blue All-Stars 79, Norfolk State 77
Up next: Norfolk State vs. LBP All-Stars — Thursday, Aug. 13, 8 p.m. ET.
