Preview: South Carolina State at Norfolk State NORFOLK, Va. (Interstat) — The Norfolk State Spartans will look to solidify their position in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference standings when they host the South Carolina State Bulldogs at Echols Hall on Saturday, February 21, 2026. Norfolk State (13-14 overall) enters the matchup with momentum, having won three of its last four games, including a 70-66 road victory at Maryland-Eastern Shore on Monday. The Spartans are led by guard Anthony McComb, who is averaging 16.2 points over his last five contests. He scored 17 points in the win over Maryland-Eastern Shore and had a season-high 29 points in a rout of Coppin State last month. South Carolina State (7-18) is coming off its best offensive performance of the conference season, an 85-72 home win over North Carolina Central on Wednesday. The Bulldogs were led in that game by guard Jayden Johnson, who scored 20 points and dished out six assists. Johnson has been a consistent scorer, reaching double figures in four of his last five games, including a 19-point effort in a win over Maryland-Eastern Shore on Feb. 4. The Bulldogs will need another strong outing from Johnson to challenge the Spartans on the road. South Carolina State has struggled away from home this season, including a 57-point performance in a lopsided loss at Howard earlier this month. This game is a rematch from January 17, when Norfolk State secured an 89-82 victory in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In that game, the Spartans’ offense proved too much for the Bulldogs down the stretch. For Norfolk State, a win would move the team to .500 and continue its push up the MEAC table. For South Carolina State, building on Wednesday’s offensive breakout is crucial as it seeks to climb out of the conference cellar. The Spartans hold a clear advantage in record and recent form, but the Bulldogs’ potent showing last time out suggests they could present a challenge if their shooting carries over to the road. Tip-off is scheduled for Saturday at Echols Hall.