By Harry Minium
After seeing a 12-point lead whither to one, Old Dominion University asserted itself with a 9-0 run in the game's final minutes and claimed an 80-66 basketball victory over crosstown rival Norfolk State Wednesday night at Echols Hall.
ODU led the entire game and had a 12-point lead early in the second half. But the Monarchs went into a shooting funk and Yoro Sidibe put in a layup to pull Norfolk State within a point, 62-61, with 5:47 left.
ODU then put the game away, as A.J. Oliver II buried a 3-pointer, Kalu Ezipke made back to back fast-break layups and Malik Curry two foul shots to give the Monarchs a 73-61 lead and control of the game with 1:45 left.