CBS Sports Classic: HBCU Showcase Was A Win On More Than Just The Scoreboard

The inaugural CBS Sports Classic: HBCU Showcase was not only a win for the CAA on the scoreboard, but it provided national exposure for two outstanding institutions and the conference as a whole.

“I would like to thank the entire team at CBS Sports for partnering with the CAA on the recent CBS Sports Classic HBCU Showcase,” CAA Commissioner Joe D’Antonio said.  “As anticipated, the games captured the passion, tradition and rich history of HBCUs and their fans.  We appreciate CBS Sports’ commitment to promoting the conference and our HBCU institutions and hope to be involved with the Showcase for many years to come.”

Despite students being away from campus for the holiday break, the games between long-time rivals generated plenty of interest and excitement. Attendance at North Carolina A&T’s Corbett Sports Center and Hampton’s Convocation Center exceeded 4,000 spectators.

In the 161^st meeting of the two schools, North Carolina A&T earned an 85-72 victory over North Carolina Central. The Aggies got outstanding offensive performances from standout guards Ryan Forrest (30 points) and Landon Glasper (25 points), while post player Nikolaos Chitikoudis grabbed a career-high 22 rebounds, which were the most by an Aggie since 2002.

In the 95^th Battle of the Real HU, Hampton prevailed 83-67 over Howard to extend its winning streak to five, which is the program’s longest since 2018-19. The Pirates were led offensively by Wayne Bristol, Jr. (18 points) and Noah Farrakhan (17 points), but Hampton’s depth played a key role once again with 38 points coming from reserves.

Having the opportunity to showcase their programs and the rivalries to a national television audience on CBS was significant to North Carolina A&T head coach Monte’ Ross and Hampton head coach Ivan Thomas.

“It really means the world to us,” Ross said. “To be able to host our rival, North Carolina Central, and have it on CBS, is just tremendous. It gives us an opportunity to showcase what we’re all about.”

Added Thomas, “I think it’s special for both programs to be able to highlight the best of HBCU athletics on national TV and highlight our conference. What better game to showcase than a 100-year rivalry between the Battle of the Real HU.”