There are still a few weeks before the NBA season kicks off on Dec. 25, but for four Black college basketball teams participating in the Big Apple Classic this weekend in New York City, it’s already go time.

The Big Apple Classic, the only Black college basketball tournament held in New York City’s Madison Square Garden, starts with a kickoff party to warm up fans and foes on Dec. 3. On Dec. 4, CIAA arch-rivals Virginia State University and Virginia Union University bring the heat to the Garden at 3 p.m. Then at 6 p.m., in what has been dubbed the “battle of the real HU,” the Hampton University Pirates and the Howard University Bison each defend their titles as titans of the MEAC conference.

BAC tickets are $29.50 and $54.50, with a portion of the proceeds donated to Educational Learning Opportunities, a non-profit organization designed to provide student mentoring, educational workshops, personal and professional development and career planning.

In addition to the thrilling court action, the Big Apple Classic weekend features a drumline competition, step show and a college fair highlighting more than 20 HBCUs. Now in its sixth year, the BAC aims to increase awareness of Historical Black Colleges and Universities in the Northeast region. For more information about the BAC weekend or to purchase tickets, visit www.thebigappleclassic.com.

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(Photo: Charlotte Observer/MCT/Landov)