What:	Big Apple Classic:
	Virginia Union vs Bowie State - 5:00pm Hampton vs Howard - 7:00pm
When:	Saturday, December 6, 2008
Start:	Madison Square Garden

The Big Apple Classic is a men's college basketball doubleheader that will feature four Historically Black Colleges and Universities at Madison Square Garden. Bowie State University will tip off against Virginia Union University in the first game followed by the "Battle of the HU's" featuring Howard University against Hampton University.

With the #1 seed in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) tournament in their sights, Tim Young and the Virginia Union Panthers will be looking to upset University of Tennessee import Duke Crews and the rest of the Bowie State Bulldogs—who were selected as the top squad in the Eastern Division of the CIAA Predicted Order of Finish. Last season Virginia Union defeated Bowie State 76-65.

The Hampton Pirates dominated Howard last year, winning by 34 points. This season, with the addition of impressive freshmen Calvin Thompson and Chris McHenry, Howard is looking for revenge. Hampton, selected to finish second in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, will attempt to repeat last year’s performance with returning juniors Michael Freeman and Vincent Simpson, who were each selected to the preseason MEAC second team.

Prior to the basketball doubleheader, all attendees will have the opportunity to view a step show competition and a drumline competition at noon, as well as enjoy exhibitions, a DJ, food and bands.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit the NAFEO (National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education), the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the National Black MBA’s.

For more information on the Big Apple Classic, please visit www.thebigappleclassic.com.

For information from the 2007 Big Apple Classic, please visit our 2007 page.

Last Updated On: Wednesday, October 29, 2008



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