Norfolk State coach Robert Jones felt “robbed” by no-call in close loss

Norfolk State men’s basketball coach Robert Jones is one of the more outspoken coaches in the country and after a tough 68-67 loss at James Madison Saturday, Jones felt compelled to speak his mind once again.

Jones posted a video clip and photo on X, formerly known as Twitter of Spartan forward Keyontae Lewis getting chopped across the arm by the Dukes’ Bradley Douglas as he went up for a shot attempt with eight seconds left.

No foul was called and NSU, the defending MEAC champions, lost the game.

“I usually don’t leave a game feeling robbed because good/bad things happen on both sides but today geesh,” Jones posted. “8 seconds left we needed this one! We just have to be even better and we will be!”

Jones’ post was met with mutual and unanimous agreement, including a quote from Field of 68 writer Sean Paul.

“You don’t see coaches speaking out on brutal officiating often,” Paul wrote. “Love this from Norfolk State coach Rob Jones — on a clear missed foul call that would’ve sent Keyontae Lewis to the line.”

Jones mentioned in a pre-season interview with HBCU Sports that this season would be a new challenge for him, his coaching staff and his team. Saturday’s frustrating loss is one those challenges for the Spartans, who are now 4-6 on the season.

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