NORFOLK — The start of Old Dominion’s tour of East Coast mid-majors has not gone well.

The Monarchs opened it with two losses by a combined 53 points, most recently Tuesday’s 99-69 setback at Xavier.

The good news for ODU: It’s time for a rare nonconference appearance at Chartway Arena. The Monarchs face Morgan State at home at 7 p.m. Friday in the last of three non-league contests at the friendly confines before the Sun Belt Conference schedule begins on Dec. 17.

ODU (2-3) has dropped two straight since a 60-57 home defeat of crosstown rival Norfolk State on Nov. 11. The game was a buzzer-beating 3-pointer from going to overtime.

Subsequent outings have not been nearly as dramatic. The Monarchs were outscored by 20 points in the second half of a 96-74 loss at George Washington on Satu

See Full Page