Williamsburg, VA – The close distance between Williamsburg and Norfolk gave this matchup a rivalry feel, and both teams brought an energetic, physical style to Kaplan Arena. William & Mary turned the game into a fast-paced offensive performance, defeating Norfolk State 104–73. The Tribe took control early, leading 54–35 at halftime, then scored 50 more points after the break while Norfolk State managed 38.
William & Mary’s Princeton-style offense, led by head coach Brian Earl, kept all five players involved as scorers and facilitators. The Tribe used ball movement, cuts, handoffs, and pick-and-roll actions to create open looks, including opportunities for guards in the corners. William & Mary applied its zone press for much of the game, pressuring Norfolk State and disrupting its initial organization. Norfolk State sometimes broke through the first layer and found transition opportunities but missed layups and open shots made it difficult to build momentum.
Rebounding and shooting helped decide the game. William & Mary outrebounded Norfolk State 46–29, including 15 offensive rebounds, and shot 44.1% from three-point range, making 15 of 34 attempts. Norfolk State made 8 of 24 threes for 33.3%. William & Mary also held a 40–24 advantage in points in the paint and received 69 points from its bench. Norfolk State’s guards played physically and tried to attack the middle and sides of the defense, but the Tribe’s rebounding and scoring depth kept the visitors from closing the gap.
Stas Sivka, William & Mary’s Slovenian forward, finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and three made threes. He started slowly but became more assertive after halftime, showing his shooting touch and passing ability. His perimeter skill fits William & Mary’s smaller lineups, though his shooting consistency and strength will be important areas to monitor if he continues playing inside. Will Feagles added 14 points, including four three-pointers, while Gavin Ward scored 12. Brian Carter Jr. also stood out as an athletic, undersized wing with impressive length and hands. He showed confidence handling the ball and attacking defenders; developing his shot remains an important next step.
For Norfolk State, C.J. Riley Jr. led the way with 12 points and nine rebounds, providing much of the team’s presence on the glass. Bahsil Laster scored 11 points, all from the free-throw line, despite going 0-for-7 from the field. Dramane Camara and Keon Mitchell each added 10 points. Norfolk State continued to compete with its physical approach and improved its scoring after halftime, but it could not match William & Mary’s shooting, rebounding, or bench production.
It was an entertaining night for the Williamsburg crowd and a strong showcase for mid-major basketball: fast, physical, and driven by contrasting styles. William & Mary’s offensive execution and work on the boards carried the day, while William & Mary’s zone press and Norfolk State’s aggressive play created moments of pressure but did not make enough shots to change the outcome.
This article was written by Marko Sarenac of NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Instagram, or on twitter.
We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
