Old Dominion’s Thrilling Upset: Marlins Fall to ODU!

NORFOLK, Va. – Old Dominion embarked on a 14-0 streak to seize the advantage in the first half, maintaining their momentum to defeat Virginia Wesleyan 82-44 on Saturday at the Chartway Arena. Robert Davis Jr. topped the Monarchs’ scoring with 19 points from six three-pointers. 

With this victory, ODU now holds a record of 5-8 for the season.

After falling behind by two, 9-7, following a layup from Jeremiah Boateng for the Marlins at 14:52 in the first half, VWU would not regain the lead in the match. A set three-pointer from Sean Durugordon restored ODU’s advantage at 10-9, followed by Jaden Johnson’s driving layup. Caden Diggs then connected with R.J. Blakney for a dunk, with big man Caelum Swanton-Rodger adding a basket in the paint, and a deep three by Robert Davis Jr. was concluded by Blakney’s shot in the paint, completing the 14-0 Monarch rally and granting ODU a 21-9 edge. The run came to an end with a three-point jumper from Elijah Gardner of VWU.

The Marlins managed to narrow the gap to six, 22-16, before a three from Davis Jr. and a pair of layups by Swanton-Rodger and Durugordon increased the lead back to 14 with 1:25 remaining in the half. The Marlins (8-3) trailed by twelve at intermission, 32-20.

The Monarchs launched the second half with vigor, executing a 19-2 run that expanded their lead to 29, 56-27. Davis Jr. sank three shots from beyond the arc in under a minute of game time and added one free throw after being fouled, marking his third three of the half. A brief appearance by Swanton-Rodger at the 12:38 and 12:10 marks furthered the lead, 54-25, until Boateng concluded another scoreless spell for the Marlins.

ODU utilized the remainder of the game to allow younger players an opportunity for playing time. Ben Nacy and Diggs made their presence known on the score sheet. The freshmen duo, with Nacy wrapping up the game with five points and Diggs recording four points. At the game’s conclusion, both CJ Parker and Cooper Jones registered their first collegiate baskets.

Old Dominion posted a shooting percentage of 55% from the field, 43.5% from long range, and outperformed the Marlins in rebounding by a +21 margin. Davis Jr. recorded 6-13 from beyond the arc and finished with 19 points. Durugordon logged his third double-double of the season, accumulating 14 points, 10 rebounds, executing a flawless 7-7 from the charity stripe. Stephaun Walker and Johnson each concluded the game with four assists. Swanton-Rodger went a perfect 4-4 from the field, ending with nine points.

ODU amassed 32 points from the bench, 38 points in the post, 17 points from second chances, 13 points from fast breaks, and held the lead for a total of 36:34 out of 40 minutes.

The Marlins completed the game with 25% shooting from the field, 17.4% from three-point range, and 57% from the free throw line. ODU compelled VWU to commit six turnovers. The visiting team scored 31 points from the bench, 20 points in the paint, and 11 second-chance points.

UP NEXT:

ODU is set to host Arkansas State for a Sun Belt Conference showdown at 7 p.m. on Jan. 2 before welcoming Southern Miss on Jan. 4.