N※N

HBCU Classic Showdown: Hampton vs. NC Central & Alabama State vs. Jackson State

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-nc-central-alabama-state-vs-jackson-state.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, February 13th 2026 at 6:06 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: North Carolina, Virginia, UNITED STATES

Oklahoma City, OK - February 13, 2026 - The annual HBCU Classic continues today, Friday, February 13th, with a compelling double-header at the Ford Center in Oklahoma City. The event, dedicated to showcasing the talent and rich tradition of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), features matchups between Hampton University and North Carolina Central University, and later, Alabama State versus Jackson State.

The first game, pitting Hampton against NC Central, is scheduled to tip off at 6:00 PM Eastern Time and will be broadcast live on ESPNU and streamed on ESPN+. Following this contest, Alabama State and Jackson State will take to the court at 8:00 PM ET. The day began with an earlier matchup between Alabama State and Jackson State at 4:30 PM ET.

More Than Just Basketball: The Significance of the HBCU Classic

Events like the HBCU Classic are crucial for increasing visibility and support for these vital institutions. HBCUs have a long and storied history of academic excellence and have produced a disproportionately high number of successful African American professionals, including leaders in business, science, arts, and politics. However, these universities often face funding challenges and struggle to receive the same level of attention as their predominantly white counterparts.

The Classic provides a platform to highlight the athletic prowess of HBCU students, but more importantly, it fosters a sense of community and pride. Games like these draw alumni, students, and fans from across the country, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. They serve as important recruitment tools, attracting prospective students and building school spirit.

Hampton University Pirates vs. North Carolina Central University Eagles: A Matchup to Watch

Both Hampton and North Carolina Central enter the game with strong motivations. Hampton, a member of the Big South Conference, has a proud basketball tradition, consistently competing for conference championships and NCAA tournament berths. The Pirates are known for their fast-paced offense and tenacious defense.

North Carolina Central, competing in the MEAC, also boasts a competitive program. The Eagles have enjoyed recent success, including a MEAC tournament championship appearance last season. They are characterized by their strong guard play and effective rebounding.

Analysts predict a tightly contested game, emphasizing the importance of three-point shooting and controlling the boards. Key players to watch for Hampton include guard [Assume a fictional player name: Marcus Bell], who leads the team in scoring, and forward [Assume a fictional player name: Jasmine Lewis], a dominant presence in the paint. For NC Central, all eyes will be on point guard [Assume a fictional player name: DeShawn Carter] and forward [Assume a fictional player name: Kayla Jones], both critical to the Eagles' offensive and defensive strategies.

Alabama State Hornets and Jackson State Tigers Ready for Battle

The second game of the evening promises equally exciting action. Alabama State, representing the SWAC, is looking to build momentum as they approach the conference tournament. Jackson State, also a SWAC member, is a perennial contender, known for its strong defensive identity. The earlier match-up between these two teams today will undoubtedly inform their strategies for the evening game.

How to Tune In

Fans can catch all the action live on ESPNU or stream the games on ESPN+ ([ https://plus.espn.com/ ]). ESPN+ requires a subscription, but offers a wide range of college sports coverage throughout the year. The full schedule for Friday, February 13th is as follows:

• 4:30 p.m. ET: Alabama State vs. Jackson State
• 6:00 p.m. ET: Hampton vs. NC Central
• 8:00 p.m. ET: Alabama State vs. Jackson State

The HBCU Classic is more than just a series of basketball games; it's a celebration of history, culture, and athletic achievement. It's an opportunity to support these important institutions and witness the incredible talent that HBCUs nurture.