After a 10-day layoff for final exams from Dec. 3-13, Hampton played archrival Howard in the Battle of the Real HU on Dec. 13.

Following the two-game set in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic, the Pirates will not be back in action until Dec. 29 when Coach Ivan Thomas's team opens conference play by hosting Stony Brook. Hampton also has a New Year's Eve home date with Towson before ringing in the new year.

But first the Pirates must navigate the twin contests in Atlanta. Hampton will take on Jackson State before facing Grambling State.

The Pirates had a three-game winning streak snapped when Howard downed Hampton 61-57 on Nov. 13 in Washington, D.C. in the annual Battle of the Real HU.

The Pirates will look to move above .500 with a pair of victories in Atlanta. Hampton comes into the contest with a 5-6 mark while Jackson State (1-9) and Grambling State (3-6) look to gain momentum going into the league schedule.

Hampton will attempt to tame a tiger ... twice ... in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic when the Pirates play the Jackson State Tigers on Dec. 18 and the Grambling State Tigers on Dec. 19 in Atlanta, Ga.

Hampton has a higher scoring offense (73.2 ppg) and holds opponents to fewer points (67.0 ppg) than either of its two opponents in the final games before the holiday break. In addition, the Pirates are the only team with a positive rebound margin (+3.8).

Coach Ivan Thomas's team boasts a balanced offense with three double-figure scorers. Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt (11.2 ppg) leads the Pirates in scoring followed by Michael Eley (10.8 ppg) and Daniel Johnson (10.1 ppg).

Xzavier Long is not far behind (9.7 ppg) but is a monster under the basket, averaging 10.6 rpg, easily the best in the CAA.

Jackson State's Doeshun Ruffin leads the team in scoring (14.2 ppg) and assists (27). Jayme Michell Jr is the team's leading three-point marksman with 21. Jackson State's lone win was a 51-45 victory over Louisiana on Nov. 28. The Jackson State bench chipped in just six points in the win. 

Grambling State's Antonio Munoz is the team's only double-figure scorer (12.2 ppg). Jamil Lane leads the team in rebounding (4.7 rpg). The Tigers come into the Classic with a five-game losing streak. The Tigers take on Norfolk State before battling the Pirates in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic.