Kudos To Coach Robert Jones, MEAC Coach of the Year Kudos To Senior Alex Long, Over 1,000 Career Points

By Dr. Grady James
Local Voice
New Journal and Guide

Coach Robert Jones won his 100th game as Norfolk State’s head basketball coach last month  (February). Senior forward Alex Long (#22) scored his 1000th point March 2 as the Spartans clinched the regular season (MEAC) title easily downing the Coppin State Eagles 72-38 at Echols Hall. This was the first regular season title for Norfolk State since 2012-2013 when they won their first under coach Anthony Evans and Jones was an assistant. 

Jones is in his sixth year as head coach. After the historic win players and coaches took turns cutting down the nets especially to the delight of the seniors. They all agree that the nets they really want to cut down next are the ones certifying them as the 2019 MEAC Tournament Champions. The win earns them No. 1 seed in the tournament and a possible NIT bid.

Bisons Win 98-95 Over Spartans in Rematch Shootout

Sharp 3-point shooting R. J. Cole launched a 3-pointer with one second left in the game lead the Howard University Bisons to a 98-95 win in a rematch shootout Thursday night (March 7) at Echols Hall in Norfolk. The Spartans had come from 24 points down to edge out Howard 80-78 Feb. 2nd at Howard. Alex Long, who scored his career record 1000th point on March 2, was awarded the basketball Thursday night.

The Spartans’  La’Deja James scored 19 points in 33 minutes to lead the Spartans to a 74-59 win over the Howard University women Thursday night in the season’s finale heading into the MEAC Tournament at Norfolk’s Scope.