NORFOLK, Va. – For the second year in a row, the Norfolk State men's basketball team will participate in the HBCU Challenge presented by Boost Mobile. The event takes place December 17-18 in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
"It's exciting to be back a part of the Chris Paul HBCU Challenge," said head coach Robert Jones, "Last year's experience was amazing and first class. With this platform it will continue to shine a national light on HBCU culture, players, and coaches. We can't wait to get to Vegas!"
There will be some familiar faces amongst the other three teams participating. Two former MEAC opponents in Hampton and North Carolina A&T with Texas Southern rounding out the field. The Pirates will be playing in their second HBCU Challenge and the Aggies in their first.
The Tigers of Texas Southern will also be playing in their first HBCU Challenge. Last season, TSU won the SWAC Tournament and defeated Texas A&M – Corpus Christi in the First Four before falling to eventual national champion Kansas in the first round.
Last year, NSU and Hampton opened the event, with the Spartans coming away with a 70-61 win over the Pirates. Norfolk State finished the event with a 70-63 win over Grambling.
