Prediction: Norfolk St Spartans VS Old Dominion Monarchs 2025-11-11
Old Dominion Monarchs vs. Norfolk State Spartans: A Tale of Two Teams (and a Spread That’s Not Very Kind)
Let’s cut to the chase: Old Dominion is the favorite, and the bookmakers are about as confident as a toddler holding a lollipop. The Monarchs are listed at -8.5 to -9.5 on the spread, with moneyline odds implying they should win ~82% of the time (per DraftKings’ 1.22 decimal odds). Meanwhile, Norfolk State, the “underdogs,” have a 23% implied probability of pulling off an upset. Numbers don’t lie… unless they’re written by a sportsbook trying to pad its profit margin.
Parsing the Odds: Why Old Dominion’s “Home Court” Might Be a Mirage
Old Dominion’s recent 93-53 drubbing of the Randolph WildCats (a team that probably still hasn’t figured out the concept of “defense”) has boosted their season record to 1-1. But let’s not get carried away. Last season, the Monarchs went 15-20 overall and 7-9 at home, which is about as reliable as a weather forecast in the Sahara. Their 67.9 PPG average sounds nice, but that includes 13.7 points per game from free throws—a stat that makes you wonder if they spend practice time perfecting the art of the and-one.
Norfolk State, meanwhile, enters with a 24-11 record from last season and a 2-1 mark this year. They’re a team that lives off 15.5 points per game off turnovers, which is like a vulture circling opponents’ mistakes. If Old Dominion falters with turnovers, the Spartans could feast. But remember: Norfolk State’s 8-9 road record last year suggests they’re not exactly road warriors.
The News: Injuries? What Injuries?
No major injury reports here, but let’s fill the void with some creative speculation. Could Ketron Shaw, Old Dominion’s 22-point hero against Randolph, be nursing a case of “postgame interview fatigue”? Unlikely. But what about Norfolk State’s star point guard? Is he secretly training for NBA 2K cover? No word, but if he’s as smooth with the ball as he is in the sim, the Spartans could trouble the Monarchs.
Humor: Because Basketball Analysis Needs a Laugh
Old Dominion’s home court is so intimidating, it once convinced a pigeon to surrender its sandwich mid-flight. And Norfolk State’s turnover points? They’re like a culinary school turning burnt toast into croutons—inelegant, but somehow still edible.
Let’s not forget the spread: Old Dominion is favored by 8.5 to 9.5 points. That’s enough to cover a loss, a midsize pothole, and a poorly timed TikTok dance break. But can they actually do it? Well, their 11-6 home record from last season suggests they’re not exactly hosting a championship-caliber stay.
Prediction: Cover the Spread, But Don’t Expect a Masterpiece
Old Dominion’s recent offensive explosion (93 points on Randolph) gives them the edge, but don’t expect a coronation. The Monarchs will likely win by 8-10 points, barely covering the spread. Norfolk State’s turnover defense could keep them in the game longer than expected—unless Old Dominion’s free-throw shooting goes nuclear.
Final Verdict: Bet the Old Dominion Monarchs -8.5, but bring a fire extinguisher just in case Ketron Shaw decides to moonwalk to the charity stripe again.
“The Monarchs play basketball like they’re on a quest for the Holy Grail—partially committed, slightly confused, but with a decent chance of winning if no one trips over their own feet.”
Created: Nov. 11, 2025, 6:40 p.m. GMT