HBCU women’s basketball team agrees to series with ACC champion Duke

By Chris Stevens
HBCU Sports
https://hbcusports.com/

After many years of going on the road, Norfolk State’s women’s basketball team will get to host a Power 4 team in the near future.

The Spartans have agreed to a home-and-home series with Duke of the Atlantic Coast Conference, the team announced Friday afternoon.

“I appreciate Coach Kara Lawson’s willingness to engage in a home-and-home series with our institution,” Norfolk State had coach Jermaine Woods said. “As we continue to strive for greater visibility for HBCU’s, collaborative agreements like this are instrumental in driving progress. Her return to Norfolk will yield numerous benefits to our university, community, and the city.”

Norfolk State, three-time defending MEAC champions, will face the Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium Nov. 12 this coming season, with Duke visiting Echols Hall during the 2026-27 season. Under former WNBA and Tennessee standout Kara Lawson, Duke reached the Elite Eight last season and finished the year ranked No. 7 in the country.

“This is a landmark moment not only for our women’s basketball program but for our university as a whole,” NSU athletic director Melody Webb said.  “Bringing a nationally ranked program like Duke to Echols Hall reflects our continued commitment to elevating Norfolk State Athletics and providing our student-athletes with opportunities to compete at the highest level. It also gives our fans a chance to witness elite competition right here at home and be part of a historic event.”