HAMPTON, Va. (Dec. 28, 2025) … After a 10-day layoff for the holidays, Hampton returns to action hosting Stony Brook in the CAA lid-lifter for both teams.
 
The Pirates posted a 6-7 record in non-conference play to start the 2024-25 campaign. Hampton has won four of its last six games leading up to the conference opener.

In addition, the Pirates are a perfect 3-0 at the Convocation Center this season and Hampton has won its last seven games at home dating back to last season. With a rebuilt roster, Coach Ivan Thomas's team will look to continue that streak.

Stony Brook enters the game with an 8-5 mark but have dropped its last two decisions with losses to UAlbany and at Marist. The Seawolves are 1-3 in games played on enemy courts.

Geno Ford's team was 8-24 with a 3-13 record in league play a season ago. Ford is in his seventh season at the helm of the Seawolves.

The two teams last tangled on Feb. 24, 2025 with the Pirates winning 81-49 at the Convocation Center. Daniel Johnson led the way with 25 points in Hampton's win.

The Game
In the last two-plus weeks, Hampton has played just two games due to final exam week and the Christmas holidays.
 
The Pirates have enjoyed a break since splitting two games in the Chris Paul HBCU Classic in Atlanta on Dec. 18-19.
 
The Seawolves have played just one game in the last 12 days, dropping a 70-51 decision at Marist on Dec. 17.
 
The game heralds the start of the CAA schedule for both teams. Hampton. The Pirates will begin the conference portion of the schedule hosting Stony Brook and then UNCW during the school's holiday break.

Unfortunately, the games will be played before sparse crowds as the university is closed until Jan. 5. That means no students, staff, band or cheerleaders will be on hand for the first two conference match-ups.

But while the crowds might be small, the Pirates still hold a big advantage. Hampton has won its last seven games at the Convocation Center --- including three this year --- dating back to last season. That streak will be put on the line against Stony Brook.

The Pirates are led by Michael Eley (11.8 ppg), 20th best in the CAA and the conference's leading rebounder Xzavier Long (11.1 rpg).

Erik Pratt is the focal point of the Seawolves offense. He ranks fifth in the CAA in scoring, sporting an 18.1 ppg average.