Basketball Game Preview: Steward Spartans vs. Norfolk Academy Bulldogs

The Steward Spartans just played last yesterday, but they'll still welcome the Norfolk Academy Bulldogs at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Both teams took a loss in their last game, so they'll have plenty of motivation to get the 'W'.

On Monday, Steward came up short against Virginia Academy and fell 62-55.

Meanwhile, after a string of three wins, Norfolk Academy's good fortune finally ran out on Friday. They took a blow against Collegiate, falling 44-15. The match marked the Bulldogs' lowest-scoring game so far this season.

Steward will have to keep a close watch on Vivi Deans and Sallie Roberts, a pair of players who had a big impact on Norfolk Academy's prior game. Deans posted four points and three steals, while Roberts earned two points and four steals. Deans continues to improve, besting her previous point total in each of the last three games she's played.

Even though they lost, Norfolk Academy smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 12 offensive boards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive rebounds in five consecutive contests.

Norfolk Academy's defeat dropped their record down to 8-4. As for Steward, their loss ended an eight-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 10-6.

Everything came up roses for Steward against Norfolk Academy in their previous matchup back in February of 2024, as the team secured an 83-42 victory. Will Steward repeat their success, or does Norfolk Academy have a new game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.