By Brandon "BJ" Johnson

Old Dominion’s early-season stretch has now delivered a clearer picture of what this group is—and what it still needs to become. Through five games against a mix of in-state rivals, A-10 competition, and a national power, the Monarchs have shown stretches of excellent guard play, interior toughness, and competitive resolve… while also revealing familiar areas that must tighten up as the schedule stiffens.  

Game 1: ODU 60, Norfolk State 57 (11/11)

A gritty, grind-it-out win over Norfolk State set the tone for ODU’s early identity: defense, shot creation through the guards and timely late-game execution. LJ Thomas was outstanding, scoring 20 points on 7-11 shooting with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. He controlled tempo in a game where every possession mattered. Ketron “KC” Shaw added 16 points, attacking downhill and converting at the rim, while Scottie Hubbard hit three big threes (3-6) on his way to 9 points. ODU shot just 4–24 from three, but compensated by winning the turnover battle and holding NSU to 37.5% shooting. The Monarchs overcame a 9-point first-half deficit and a cold perimeter night by stringing together a pivotal 17–0 run, flipping the game and ultimately closing it out with late stops. Watch the final possession of the game where ODU demonstrated what they are capable of defensively.

K.C. Shaw slams it home. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography

Game 2: George Washington 96, ODU 73 (11/15)

On the road in D.C., Old Dominion struggled to keep pace with a George Washington attack that shot efficiently and controlled momentum through the middle stretches of both halves. The Monarchs battled, fueled by KC Shaw and Robert Davis Jr., who both posted 14 points. ODU actually held GW to modest three-point shooting for much of the night, but defensive lapses, foul trouble, and inconsistent rebounding made it difficult to sustain runs. Turnovers and second-chance points—issues that have surfaced before—proved costly. GW capitalized on long stretches where ODU’s defensive focus wavered, and the Colonials’ physicality in the paint tilted the matchup.  

Game 3: Xavier 99, ODU 69 (11/18)

This was the measuring-stick game of the early season, and Xavier played like a high-major machine from start to finish. The Musketeers shot 50% in the first half and knocked down 16 threes for the game while assisting on nearly every make. Their ball movement and shot-making exposed every defensive mistake. ODU had bright spots—Drew McKenna’s 12 points, Thomas’ 13, Wiggins’ 9, Shaw’s 8, and strong efficiency inside with 38 points in the paint—but Xavier dominated the glass (48–28), the three-point line, and the turnover margin. This was a learning game: the kind where the opponent punishes every rotation that’s half a step late. The Monarchs were competitive offensively, shooting 42%, but the defensive gaps were simply too costly.  

Game 4: ODU 85, Morgan State 56 (11/21)

ODU immediately responded with one of its more complete offensive outings, and the energy was evident from warmups. The Monarchs shot 48% from the field and moved the ball with purpose, posting numerous possessions of crisp passing, drive-and-kick action, and efficient shot creation. Zacch Wiggins was dynamic, scoring 18 points on aggressive drives and mid-range looks, while Jordan Battle continues to make an impact everywhere on the floor - 12 points, 8 boards, and 5 assists. Thomas added 11 points and steady facilitation. The bench delivered meaningful minutes led by the aforementioned Zacch Wiggins and Jared Turner with both contributing on the glass and in tempo-changing defensive sequences. Morgan State made runs, but ODU repeatedly answered with poise, pushing the lead back to double digits each time. Hear from Coach Mike Jones, Jared Turner, and Zacch Wiggins in the Post Game Presser  

Game 5: Drexel 75, ODU 71 (11/23)

This was the toughest loss of the group—not because of the margin, but because ODU played well enough to win in several areas but couldn’t finish possessions. The Monarchs shot the ball well inside the arc and again got strong guard play, but Drexel’s rebounding edge and physical second-chance scoring proved decisive. The Dragons closed with disciplined half-court execution, while ODU had several empty trips late—rushed jumpers, one-pass possessions, and a few turnovers that stalled momentum. A better performance from the line maybe changes this result but you can't go cold during the final stretch of the game and they did.

Still, LJ Thomas, Robert Davis Jr, and Jordan Battle showed control in stretches, and the defense held its own in spite of the Dragon's size advantage.

Drew McKenna considers his next move. Photo courtesy of CB Sports Photography

What ODU Is Doing Well

Across the five-game stretch, several strengths stand out:

1. Backcourt Production

Thomas is playing like an All-Sun Belt lead guard, scoring efficiently and facilitating at a high level. Shaw continues to be ODU’s most consistent downhill threat. Battle is doing a little bit of everything - scoring, rebounding, assists, and steals giving this team a valuable Swiss Army knife. Hubbard has had strong moments, which will be crucial as the season progresses.

2. Shot Quality

Even in the losses, ODU generated clean looks. The offense is built on pace, driving gaps, and extra passes, and the numbers support that when the Monarchs avoid turnovers, they score at a high clip.

3. Bench Impact

Wiggins, McKenna, Turner, and Raymond are all giving meaningful minutes and providing needed depth.

Where Improvement Is Needed

1. Turnovers

Turnovers have been a major swing factor in every loss. Against high-major teams, they become game-breakers; against teams like GW and Xavier, they choke off momentum.

2. Defensive Consistency

ODU plays excellent defense in stretches—active hands, good switching, disciplined help. But the lapses are too long, especially against teams that move the ball well. Communication on switches remains a swing point.

3. Rebounding Discipline

Rebounding deficits against Xavier and Drexel led directly to extended opponent runs and late-game separation.

4. Commit to the Offense

When things get tough, the team has a tendency to revert to 1-on-1 hoops. That should be avoided, given this unit looks their best when the ball movement is crisp and they are looking to make that extra pass to find a nice, clean, open shot.

Previewing the Next Two Matchups

At Villanova – November 25

This is one of the toughest games of the non-conference slate. Villanova will challenge ODU’s physicality, spacing, and defensive discipline for a full 40 minutes. The Wildcats rarely beat themselves, so ODU must avoid the droughts and defensive lapses that showed up at Xavier and Drexel. Keys to competitiveness:

• Limit Villanova’s three-point attempts
• Finish defensive possessions with rebounds
• Attack gaps early in the shot clock
• Utilize bench depth to stay fresh defensively

If ODU can keep this from becoming a grind-down half-court game, they can hang around longer than expected.

At William & Mary – November 30

William & Mary brings a disciplined, patient offense that will test ODU’s defensive communication—especially in screen actions and off-ball cuts. The Tribe typically controls tempo, so ODU will need:

• Stable ball security
• Consistent half-court defense
• The guards to push pace when opportunities arise

If ODU wins the turnover battle and controls the glass, their shot creation should put them in a strong position.

Final Outlook

Through these five games, Old Dominion has shown the outline of a team capable of competing with the best of the Sun Belt. The pieces are there: shot creators, an improving bench, and a defensive identity built on toughness and energy. The next step is consistency—minimizing empty possessions, finishing defensive stands and sustaining focus for 40 minutes. If the Monarchs make strides in these areas, both the William & Mary and Villanova games become opportunities to grow, compete, and re-assert momentum moving towards conference play.

Watch the newest episode of The Monarchists Basketball Show where Aaron and Mike talk with Head Coach Mike Jones about this stretch of hoops: