HAMPTON, Va. (Feb. 6, 2026) … Like most conferences these days, the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) covers a large portion of the country. The CAA encompasses eight states up-and-down the nation's eastern seaboard: Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina.
 
It is a 971-mile drive from Northeastern (Boston, Mass.) to Charleston (South Carolina). But it is only a 31-mile drive from William & Mary to the Hampton campus.
 
The two teams have battled in the hardwood since 1995 with the Tribe holding a 20-10 advantage including nine of the last 11 games. William & Mary has won five of the six CAA meetings since the Pirates joined the conference four years ago.
 
But the Pirates have held their own at the Convocation Center where the Tribe has an 8-6 advantage. Hampton has won 12 of the last 13 games at home and look to continue its success at home.
 
The Game
There will be fireworks when William & Mary (15-8, 6-5) plays at Hampton (11-13, 5-6).
 
It will be a case of the irresistible force meeting the immovable object.
 
William & Mary has a potent offense. The Tribe leads the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) in scoring with an 83.9 norm. The Tribe leads the league in shooting percentage (.480) and free throw percentage (.748).
 
The trademark of Coach Ivan Thomas's team is a swarming, relentless defense. Pirate opponents score just 68.5 ppg and shoot .436 from the field.
 
CAA opponents average just 63,4 ppg in 11 contests this season.
 
With Michael Eley out of action (turf toe), Hampton is without its leading scorer (12.7 pg), 18th in the CAA. Eley scored 43 points at Campbell on Jan. 8 and has missed the last two games.
 
Guard Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt (12.2 ppg), after exploding for 23 points in a double-overtime win over Elon on Feb. 5. Forwards Daniel Johnson (9.8 ppg) and Xzavier Long (9.4 ppg) have picked up the slack. Long leads the CAA and is 13th nationally in rebounds (10.1 rpg).
 
The Pirates have won 12 of the last 13 contests at the Convocation Center including an 87-79 double overtime triumph over Elon on Feb. 5. Hampton and Wiliam & Mary boast the best homecourt advantages in the league.