HAMPTON, Va. – The Hampton University men's basketball team will make its home debut of the 2009-2010 season on Tuesday, when they take on the Gaels of Iona College at 7 p.m. in the Hampton University Convocation Center.

The Pirates (0-1) are 0-3 all-time against Iona, including last year's 59-46 season-opening loss. The Gaels and Pirates first met in the 1995-96 season, with Iona taking away a 91-69 victory on Jan. 11, 1996. Iona also beat Hampton 91-72 on Dec. 4, 1996.

Hampton lost its season opener on Saturday, falling 83-80 at La Salle despite having four players finish in double figures. Darrion Pellum (Hampton, Va.) led the Pirates with 21 points, while Vincent Simpson (Philadelphia, Pa.) had 18 points and Michael Freeman (Alexandria, Va.) added 16. Sophomore transfer Mike Tuitt (Bronx, N.Y.) had 15 points and 10 assists in his Pirates debut.

Pellum also led the Pirates in rebounding, pulling down seven boards against the Explorers. Tuitt and Charles Funches (Bayonne, N.J.) each pulled down six rebounds.

The Gaels opened their season on Friday by beating Boston University at home 82-73. Scott Machado led Iona (1-0) with 16 points, while Jermel Jenkins added 14 points. Milan Prodanovic and Alejo Rodriguez each chipped in 12 points for the Gaels, and Kyle Smyth added 11 points.

Rodriguez also led the team in rebounding with 10 boards.

Fans who cannot attend Tuesday's game can follow along via live stats; just visit the Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com, click on the men's basketball page and click the “Live Stats” link on the right side of the page. The game will also be broadcast on WHOV 88.1 FM.

Tuesday's game will be the first of two straight home games for the Pirates; on Monday, Hampton will welcome Virginia Commonwealth to the Convocation Center for a 7 p.m. tip-off. For more information on Hampton University basketball, please call the Office of Sports Information at (757) 727-5811, or visit the official Pirates website at www.hamptonpirates.com.