New York City hosted the 5th Annual Big Apple Classic on Saturday, December 4, at Madison Square Garden, the only black college basketball tournament held at the world’s most famous arena. The classic showcased four rival Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs): Virginia State (VSU), Virginia Union (VUU), Hampton and Howard Universities. The CIAA and MEAC doubleheader kicked off with a game between VSU and VUU.
VUU maintained a steady lead during the first half of the game. The no-frills half-time show featuring the universities’ cheerleader squads didn’t kill their momentum. VUU played hard until the end, winning the game with a final score of 66 to VSU’s 46.
Following game 1, legendary rapper and emcee Doug E. Fresh introduced the drumline competition, which showcased bands from Bowie State, VSU and Howard Universities, with VSU being named this year’s Big Apple drumline winner.
During game 2, Hampton University and Howard University were toe-to-toe on the court. Howard tried to hold onto the lead, but by the end of the first half, Hampton turned the tables.
Amanda Diva opened her performance during halftime with the Fugee’s “Killing Me Softly,” followed by one of her own women-empowerment singles.
Third quarter, tensions were high, the scores were close and the level of intensity continued to rise. Many opportunities to advance were lost due to the players’ urge to make headline-grabbing plays.
Howard’s first-year coach, Kevin Nickelberry, who’s Hampton’s former coach, stated during the press conference that this experience was “like looking in the mirror” for him.
Hampton ended up defeating Howard 67 to 55 and raising their winning streak to seven games.
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