Ohh Norfolk State

[LAMUfan]

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/7301821/a-look-back-november-college-basketball

Most incredible early-season tournament run: Norfolk State. Here's an idea: The mighty Spartans of Norfolk State -- a team that finished ranked No. 300 in the country in Ken Pomeroy's final 2010-11 adjusted efficiency rankings -- should try to play every game in the Virgin Islands. Norfolk State was a different team at the Paradise Jam: It upset Drexel in the first round, beat TCU in the second and nearly clipped Marquette -- which had already beaten the Spartans to a pulp 99-68 in the season opener -- 59-57 in the tournament final. Then, after returning from paradise, Norfolk lost to something called Elizabeth City State University (it's a D-II school in North Carolina, says Google) 69-57 on Wednesday.

The lesson here? Simple: Norfolk is good at basketball in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thus, immediate relocation is the only suitable recommendation. Failing that, the Spartans should be proud all the same. It was a stellar little run, and fun while it lasted.

[LAMUfan]

turns out they suck

[StillAWarrior]

turns out they suck

...on the mainland...

[RawdogDX]

Norfolk State is undefeated against Div I opponents not ranked #1 in the Nolan Power Index.  Lets give them a little love.

[rocky_warrior]

I believe "Elizabeth City State University" was in the same conference with Norfolk State before Norfolk moved up to D-I.  While a bad loss, the two are familiar with each other.

At least, I think that's right...

[ZiggysFryBoy]

that D2 loss will not affect our RPI, at least.   

[mr.MUskie]

wow, hope we don't have to play Elizabeth City State University.

[brewcity77]

NSU had an awful shooting night. I still think they can challenge for their league and finish in the top-200 RPI. With an NBA prospect at center, they'll still win games.

[brewcity77]

What is it about these D2 teams? Northern Colorado lost at home last night to NAIA Westminster UT. Another one that won't affect RPI, but still a bit perplexing.

On the plus side...

• Ole Miss beat DePaul on the road, helping to ramp up their top-50 status
  
• UW-M and UW-GB beat Loyola and UIC at home last night; they trade opponents for Saturday
  
• Winthrop got their first RPI win, defeating Presbyterian on the road (the same team that beat Cincy)

.
Not all pluses, however. Mt St Mary's lost at home to St Francis to drop their record to 1-5. On paper, they looked like a possible Northeast dark horse, but they sure aren't living up to that. Still, the only clear dud so far.

[thowell]

Elizabeth City State University does have Marquie Cooke who went to Virginia Tech out of high school. He was a top #50 recruit in alot of rankings.

[Hards Alumni]

What is it about these D2 teams? Northern Colorado lost at home last night to NAIA Westminster UT. Another one that won't affect RPI, but still a bit perplexing.

On the plus side...

• Ole Miss beat DePaul on the road, helping to ramp up their top-50 status
  
• UW-M and UW-GB beat Loyola and UIC at home last night; they trade opponents for Saturday
  
• Winthrop got their first RPI win, defeating Presbyterian on the road (the same team that beat Cincy)

.
Not all pluses, however. Mt St Mary's lost at home to St Francis to drop their record to 1-5. On paper, they looked like a possible Northeast dark horse, but they sure aren't living up to that. Still, the only clear dud so far.

What it is is that the D2 teams near the top and the D1 teams near the bottom aren't very far apart in terms of talent, and probably never will be.