In the third annual Legacy Classic, the Howard University Men’s Basketball team matched up against rival Hampton University for the second time this season on Feb. 3.
The Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic took place at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. The event was created by director and entrepreneur Michael B. Jordan, WME Sports (the sports division of WME, an Endeavor Company), Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and Horizon Sports & Experiences, according to Prudential Center.
Howard’s coach, Kenneth Blakeney, was excited to be able to match up against Hampton again, not only for the love of competition but for the passion the rivalry stirs up between fans.
“I love it for our fans and for our Howard University community,” Blakeney said. “Anytime that Hampton and Howard can get together, that rivalry really ignites a lot of conversation and passion.”
Although the Bison would lead for most of the game, they could never pull away. With one minute left in the game, The Bison would only be ahead by a point with a score of 58-57.
Freshman forward for the Pirates, Jerry Deng, hit a corner three-pointer with 24 seconds remaining in the game to give the Pirates their first lead at 60-58. After some late fouls from the Bison, the Pirates would take the lead to the buzzer, the final score reading 63-61.
The Pirates ended the game on a five-minute 16-2 run. Deng contributed 21 points‒ a strong showing for the freshman. In the postgame interview, he talked about how they were able to complete the comeback victory after trailing for 37 minutes and 21 seconds.
“We locked in with each other,” Deng stated. “Tell each other to play defense. Get one stop just buying in with each other, locking in.”
Dom Campbell, a sophomore forward for the Bison, would score 18 points and get ten rebounds, while junior guard Bryce Harris scored 16 points and pulled down 14 rebounds.
The Bison will continue the MEAC play on Feb. 5, when they travel to play the Delaware State Hornets. They will be back home on Feb. 17, when they match up against the North Carolina Central Eagles.
Copyedited by Jalyn Lovelady
