Grambling State maintained its tie for first place in the SWAC with Southern following a 70-62 win over Jackson State. Meanwhile, Hampton snapped a 14-game losing streak after beating Howard 63-61.
Here are three takeaways from the 2024 event in New Jersey.
1. Taking advantage of the opportunity
In a rare opportunity to perform in front of a nationally televised audience, all four teams put on a showing worthy of the occasion.
Both games showcased maximum effort and emotion, keeping the fans invested in the action on the court.
The contest between Grambling State and Jackson State was close throughout, with Grambling only leading by double-digits in the final seconds of the game.
On the other hand, Hampton showed a true warrior spirit fighting back from being down as many as 12 points to beat Howard.
JERRY DENG! #WeAreHamptonU @J15clip pic.twitter.com/lAACgTolCS
— Hampton Men’s Basketball (@Hampton_MBB) February 3, 2024
2. Great attendance
For the second year in a row, the Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic drew a big crowd, with attendance reported at 13,834 in the building.
Hampton, Virginia’s own. @Giants QB @TyrodTaylor here to support the Pirates!#WeAreHamptonU pic.twitter.com/AOlF9yfLvo
— Hampton Men’s Basketball (@Hampton_MBB) February 3, 2024
These numbers are a nearly 400-person improvement over the attendance figures from last year’s event.
Although many HBCU students and student-athletes have come from the New York/New Jersey area, it is no small feat that schools can draw a respectable crowd in a state with no HBCUs.
3. TNT invests in HBCU exposure
Actor Michael B. Jordan and Turner Broadcasting have been great partners in providing HBCUs a platform to not only showcase their talent but to educate viewers on the institutions.
The game broadcast included tidbits on the history of the rivalries in the respective matchups, highlighting famous alumni from each school and speaking with athletic directors and the MVP of each game.
In addition to the game, a community such as Newark, with a majority Black population, benefits from events throughout the week that generate revenue for the city.
The HBCU hoops classic has a formula that works.
