ODU Men’s Basketball Hosts Virginia State in Final Exhibition Game

Chartway Arena Hosts Final Preseason Test

Old Dominion enters its second and final exhibition looking to recover from a 71-57 loss to VCU at Chartway Arena last Saturday. Less than seven minutes remained in the second half when the Monarchs narrowed the deficit to six points at 54-48 before the Rams broke away. Bubu Benjamin led ODU with 14 points while shooting a perfect 8-for-8 at the free-throw line. Zamoku Weluche-Ume added 13 points and five rebounds, Zacch Wiggins contributed 12 points and five boards, and Kylan Howze chipped in five rebounds and three blocks.

The teams last met for an exhibition on Oct. 25, 2023, resulting in an 80-59 victory for the Monarchs. Chaunce Jenkins led the Silver and Blue in that contest with 17 points and six rebounds in 30 minutes, while Vasean Allette, R.J. Blakney, and Bryce Baker each finished with 11 points.

Roster Rebuild Under Head Coach Mike Jones

Head coach Mike Jones enters his third season in Norfolk holding a 27-41 record. His roster features six returning players alongside 11 newcomers. The coaching staff includes assistant coaches Orlando Vandross and Jim Molinari.

The league 11th-place projection for the Monarchs was announced alongside the rest of the Sun Belt Conference Preseason Coaches’ Poll and All-Conference honors. Fourth-year guard Adante’ Holiman provided a bright spot for the squad. The transfer from Arizona State earned All-Sun Belt Third Team honors two seasons ago at Georgia Southern and landed on the Preseason All-Sun Belt First Team. Their respective preseason all-conference squads also featured selections for him by Lindy’s Sports Magazine and Blue Ribbon Magazine.

Virginia State Arrives Following 22-Win Campaign

Carrying a 22-10 overall record and a 12-4 mark against Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association opponents from the 2025-26 season, Virginia State travels to Norfolk. During the CIAA Tournament, the Trojans secured a 76-60 quarterfinal win over Lincoln University (Pa.) prior to a 71-66 semifinal defeat against Bluefield State. VSU then advanced to the Black College Invitational Championship, beating Edward Waters 75-61 and avenging their tournament loss to Bluefield State with a 69-66 victory in the title game.

Fayetteville State and Bluefield State were the only squads picked ahead of the Trojans in the CIAA Preseason Poll, which placed VSU third. Senior center Davian Coleman represents VSU on the Preseason All-Conference Team. Last year, the player from Anchorage, Alaska was in the starting lineup for 31 out of 32 games, accumulating 238 total points for a 7.4 points-per-game average while making 67.1% of his field goals and 53.8% of his free throws. He also grabbed 217 rebounds, averaging 6.8 per game, and blocked 58 shots.

Guiding the Trojans in Petersburg, Virginia for his 14th season, Lonnie Blow Jr. brings a 236-113 career record with the program. Previously, Blow worked as an assistant coach at ODU from 2010 to 2012, where he contributed to the Monarchs’ 2011 CAA Championship victory. Alongside returning players Tim Uzochuwku, Michael Cooper, and Jaylen Wynn, VSU welcomes 15 new roster additions consisting of 14 transfers and one freshman.

Western Michigan Awaits Opening Night

Following Saturday’s exhibition, the Monarchs open their season at home on Monday, Nov. 2. The opening round of the MAC-Sun Belt Challenge will feature them welcoming the Western Michigan Broncos to Chartway Arena for a game set to begin at 7 p.m. Bon Secours serves as the presenting sponsor for Old Dominion University’s 2026-27 men’s basketball season, operating four hospitals and medical centers in Hampton Roads.