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| HEAD COACH LARRY VICKERS |
The Spartans' home slate features six non-conference tilts as well as eight MEAC contests. Games with Mississippi and Wake Forest as well as the two-day Christmas City Classic highlight NSU's calendar away from home.
NSU kicks off the season on Nov. 6 on the road at Ole Miss. The Rebels are the Spartan's first opponent from a Power Five conference (ACC, Big Ten, Big XII, Pac-12, SEC) since Mississippi State during the 2015-16 season.
"This is a very challenging schedule and, top to bottom, the most difficult we have faced," Vickers said. "With so many starters returning, we wanted to make sure we provided enough challenges to continue building on what we have accomplished. That started with scheduling two Power Five opponents on the road."
Three days later, Norfolk State takes on inner-city rival Old Dominion in the 18th all-time fixture in the series.
The Spartans begin a three-game home stand against Cheyney on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. NSU then hosts Navy on Nov. 18 and Campbell two days later. Start time for the Navy contest is scheduled for 4 p.m. The Campbell game begins at 11 a.m.
The game against Navy is the first of five rematches from last season's non-conference slate. The Spartans went 3-2 against opponents featured on the 2018-19 schedule. Overall, Vickers owns a 7-4 record against 2018 non-conference opponents
Norfolk State then returns to the road for the Christmas City Classic, hosted by Lehigh in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Spartans play Lehigh on Nov. 24 before facing either Charlotte or Liberty the following day.
The non-conference schedule concludes with six games in December. The Spartans return to the Keystone State on Dec. 9 for a road clash with La Salle before hosting Longwood on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m.
NSU then heads south for a Dec. 15 game at High Point. Three days later, the Spartans' final non-conference home stand beings against St. Augustine's on Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. William & Mary visits Echols Hall on Dec. 21 for a 2 p.m. contest.
The 2018 slate ends on Dec. 30 at Wake Forest.
"The number of NCAA Tournament-caliber teams on the schedule is staggering, but we are excited for the opportunity to continue making a name for Norfolk State women's basketball," Vickers said. "These games will prepare us for MEAC play and put us in the best position to compete for a championship with such diverse and strong teams in the conference."
The 16-game MEAC slate starts with two-straight home contests, beginning with a Jan. 5 clash with Delaware State at 4 p.m. Two days later, the Spartans entertain Florida A&M at 5:30 p.m.
All weekend home conference games begin at 4 p.m. Weekday MEAC home contests tip at 5:30 p.m.
NSU's first road conference game is on Jan. 12 at Coppin State. The Spartans then return home to host Bethune-Cookman before embarking on a road swing to Savannah State on Jan. 19 and South Carolina State on Jan. 21.
Maryland Eastern Shore comes to Norfolk on Jan. 26 to close out the January schedule.
The Spartans open February on a three-game road trip and play four of their six February games away from home. Norfolk State plays at Howard on Feb. 2 before receiving a week-long respite.
NSU then jumps back into conference action with a tough Florida trip to Bethune-Cookman on Feb. 9 and Florida A&M on Feb. 11.
Basketball returns to Echols Hall on Feb. 16 for a tilt against North Carolina Central. The Spartans then host North Carolina A&T on Feb. 18.
Norfolk State closes out the month at Morgan State on Feb. 23. The Spartans then receive another week off before hosting Coppin State on March 2.
NSU then travels to Delaware State on March 4. The regular season concludes on March 7 with a home date against Howard.
The 2019 MEAC Tournament runs from March 11 until March 16 at the Norfolk Scope Arena.
NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPARTANS ATHLETIC MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS
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