Virginia State University and Virginia Union University renew one of the region’s fiercest HBCU basketball rivalries this Friday in the annual Freedom Classic. The VSU Lady Trojans (10-4, 4-2 CIAA) and Trojans face the VUU Lady Panthers (8-4, 3-3) and Panthers at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., respectively, at Virginia State’s Multipurpose Center in Petersburg. 

The rivalry stretches back decades and runs deep in both schools’ histories. As the area’s only two HBCUs, VSU and VUU carry a level of school pride that extends beyond the court, drawing students, alumni and local fans who pack the stands each year. 

The women’s game opens the action at 2 p.m. VSU’s Maya Ellis has been a spark plug off the bench, recently pouring in 18 points on 6-of-7 shooting while connecting on five three-pointers against Emory & Henry. VUU counters with Maya Robinson, who led the Lady Panthers with 14 points in their recent win over Claflin. The men’s matchup follows at 4 p.m. VSU is led by Jacob Cooper, averaging 15.3 points per game, while VUU’s Bobby Gardner and Noah Richardson-Keye each dropped 16 points in the Panthers’ comeback victory over Claflin after their 13-game winning streak was snapped. 

The doubleheader typically draws a strong crowd, with fans arriving early to claim seats for both games. Tickets range from $25 to $100.