2012 - Memorable Start on First NCAA D I

The Norfolk State Spartans men’s basketball team currently competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. The Spartans men’s basketball team is best known for defeating the #2 seeded Missouri in the 2012 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament, the first tournament appearance for Norfolk State. It was only the fifth time that a 15th seed has defeated a 2nd seed. Norfolk State has qualified for the NCAA tournament at the Division I level three times, in 2012, 2021, and 2022. The Spartans have appeared in three NCAA Division I tournaments, recently in 2022. The Spartans have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) twice. They also have appeared in the CollegeInsider.com Postseason Tournament (CIT) five times.