Old Dominion University’s men’s basketball team fell short in a home game against Georgia Southern, losing 93-86 on January 3, 2026, at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Virginia. The Monarchs started slow, dug a deep hole early, and could not complete a late comeback despite strong efforts from key players.
Slow Start Sets Tough Tone
The game began with Old Dominion struggling right away. The Monarchs missed their first eight shots and turned the ball over four times in the opening minutes, allowing Georgia Southern to build an 18-0 run and a 20-2 lead.
This early slump has become a pattern for ODU this season. In recent games, similar slow openings have led to losses, including a defeat to Appalachian State just days before. Georgia Southern took full advantage, hitting key three-pointers and pushing their halftime lead to 47-30.
Coaches and fans point to execution issues and defensive lapses as main problems. ODU’s turnover rate in the first half reached 25 percent, far above their season average. This allowed the Eagles to score easy points in transition and build confidence.
By the midpoint of the first half, ODU showed some fight with a 17-7 run. Yet, Georgia Southern answered quickly, extending their advantage and keeping control.
Georgia Southern’s Winning Streak Grows
Georgia Southern entered the game on a hot streak and kept it going. This victory marked their ninth in a row, improving their record to 12-5 overall and a perfect 4-0 in Sun Belt Conference play.
The Eagles have not lost since late November 2025, a run that includes wins over tough opponents like Appalachian State and James Madison. Their success comes from balanced scoring and strong defense, holding teams under 80 points in most recent games.
In this matchup, Georgia Southern shot 48 percent from the field and made 12 three-pointers. They built a lead as large as 23 points in the second half, showing poise under pressure.
This streak positions them as early favorites in the Sun Belt. Analysts note their depth, with multiple players contributing double-digit points, making them hard to stop.
Standout Players Shine on Both Sides
Several athletes made big impacts in the game. For Old Dominion, KC Shaw led with 23 points, including key baskets during the rally. Robert Davis Jr. added 15 points, with a crucial three-pointer late.
Georgia Southern’s Alden Applewhite topped their scoring with 17 points, supported by Khayri Dunn’s three-point shooting. Dwayne Williams Jr. sealed the win with a breakaway dunk in the final moments.
Here are some key individual performances:
- KC Shaw (ODU): 23 points, 5 rebounds, efficient shooting in the second half.
- Robert Davis Jr. (ODU): 15 points, including a three-point play that cut the gap to five.
- Alden Applewhite (GS): 17 points, led balanced attack.
- Khayri Dunn (GS): Multiple three-pointers, helped build early lead.
Team stats also tell the story. ODU improved their shooting to 45 percent after halftime but could not overcome 18 turnovers overall.
Late Rally Brings Excitement but No Win
Down by 23 points midway through the second half, Old Dominion mounted a comeback. Shaw scored on three straight possessions, and Davis hit timely shots, pulling within seven points with under six minutes left.
The crowd at Chartway Arena got loud as ODU pressed full-court, forcing turnovers. A three-point play by Davis made it a five-point game with over a minute remaining.
Georgia Southern stayed calm, answering each push. Their experience from the winning streak helped them rebuild leads and close out the game.
This loss drops ODU to 4-12 overall and 1-3 in conference play, their fourth straight defeat. It highlights ongoing issues with consistency, especially in early game execution.
What’s Next for the Monarchs
Old Dominion now faces a tough four-game road trip. It starts Thursday against Coastal Carolina, followed by James Madison, a rematch with Georgia Southern, and Appalachian State.
With 14 conference games left, the team has time to turn things around. Coaches plan to focus on better starts and reducing turnovers in practice.
Recent college basketball trends show teams that fix early-season woes can make strong runs. For example, last season’s Sun Belt champions overcame a similar slow start to win the title.
| Game Stats | Old Dominion | Georgia Southern |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 86 | 93 |
| Field Goal % | 42% | 48% |
| Three-Pointers Made | 8 | 12 |
| Turnovers | 18 | 12 |
| Leading Scorer | KC Shaw (23) | Alden Applewhite (17) |
Fans hope this rally sparks improvement. Share your thoughts on ODU’s chances in the comments below, and spread the word if you enjoyed this recap.
