SPORTS WRAP
BY WILLIAM HATHAWAY, JR.
COVER PHOTO – Newark native and actor Michael B. Jordan sharing his excitement for the basketball showcase. Photo By Rich Graessle
PHOTOS BY RICH GRAESSLE AND TOM HORAK
This past weekend in the city of Newark, the third annual HBCU Invesco QQQ Legacy Classic took place at the Prudential Center in front of a sellout crowd.
PHOTO BY TOM HORAK
The first game of the doubleheader saw Grambling State win the battle of Tigers over Jackson State 70-62. The GSU Tigers were powered to the win by Tra’Michael Moton’s 19 points on 7-14 shooting and 4 rebounds. Leading Jackson State was Ken Evans with 15 points. JSU was stymied by GSU’s defense, only shooting 35 percent while Gambling was 46 percent. Jackson State did outrebound Grambling State 38-36.
PHOTO BY RICH GRAESSLE
In the second game of the doubleheader, Hampton University broke a long losing streak and beat rival Howard 63-61. Jerry Deng led the Pirates to victory with 21 points, dominating the 2nd half with some key baskets. Deng was also 4-6 from 3 point land. Jordan Nesbitt added 17 points on 8-13 shooting and hitting some clutch free throws late.
PHOTO BY RICH GRAESSLE
Leading the Bison in a valiant effort was Don Campbell with 18 points and 10 rebounds on 7-15 from the field. Bryce Harris with 16 points and 14 rebounds, and Marcus Dockery with 11 points and 6 rebounds.
PHOTO BY RICH GRAESSLE
In the post-game news conference, head coach Kenny Blakley said he gave credit to the Hampton basketball team for the victory, and that they came ready to play. Bryce Howard a player on the Hampton basketball team said, “It was a great honor to play in this game.”
The legacy classic hosted by actor and Newark native Michael B. Jordan. Throughout the weekend, he addressed the student-athletes and fans at the game.
This year on the concourse at the Prudential Center, there were information tables with resources for students of all HBCU schools. The game was broadcast live on TNT Network.
