Hampton, Va. - The match-up between the Pirates of Hampton University and the Rams of VCU was one that was very much anticipated.  It was also one that will long be remembered.

 

The Pirates beat the highly-touted Rams, 64-55, winning their second straight contest as they head into this weekend’s Big Apple Classic against Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference rival Howard University.

 

The first half would see three ties and the lead change three times with the Rams being on the positive end each time. It would also be one of the lowest scoring halves that each team has seen in a while, each team scoring only 18 points.

 

But with 7:06 left in the first half, VCU would show why they beat Duke in the first round of the NCAA playoffs last year, leading HU by seven, 15-8. However, the Pirates would not be dominated in their own house. Within two possessions, they were back within two of tying the Rams, 13-15, with 4:42 left in the half.

 

Going into halftime, the game was all tied up at 18 all. Theo Smalling led the Pirates in scoring with six points. HU had 10 points in the paint and scored a mere four points off 10 VCU turnovers. Leading for the Rams was Jamal Schuler with nine points.

 

Hampton was up by six with 20 seconds left in the game and VCU was still determined not to leave the Convocation Center with a loss. However, time was not on their side and HU would prevail.

 

Rashad West and Adrian Woodard led Hampton in scoring with 17 and 10 points, respectively, on the night. HU scored 20 points in the paint, 19 points off 21 VCU turnovers and 29 points off the bench.

 

Leading for VCU was Eric Manor with 22 points, followed by Jamal Schuler with 15 points. VCU outshot Hampton, shooting 40 percent field goal percentage and 44.4 percent from the three point line.

 

Hampton will travel to New York to play in the battle of the “Real HU” against rival Howard in Madison Square Garden. Tipoff is scheduled for 9 p.m., following a 7 p.m. game between Bowie State and Virginia Union.  For more information, contact HU Sports Information at 757-727-5811 or visit the website at www.hamptonpirates.com.