On January 16, 2016, the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks traveled to face the Savannah State Tigers in a college basketball contest that drew the attention of national sportsbooks tracking NCAA Division I games. Both programs represent the rich tradition of historically Black colleges and universities competing at the highest levels of collegiate athletics.
The Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks, based in Princess Anne, Maryland, compete as part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), one of the most storied conferences in HBCU basketball. Savannah State University, located in Savannah, Georgia, competes in the Southern Athletic Association (SAA). Both institutions have deep roots in their respective regions and maintain strong athletic traditions that extend far beyond the court.
Odds released by USA Today and other sportsbooks ahead of this matchup reflected the relative strength of each program heading into the contest. For fans and analysts following HBCU basketball, such matchups represent opportunities to see competitive Division I play while supporting institutions that have historically served African American students and communities.
HBCU basketball carries particular significance within the broader college sports landscape. These programs have produced countless professional athletes, coaches, and leaders while maintaining the cultural and academic missions central to their institutions. The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, in particular, has established itself as a competitive force in NCAA Division I basketball, with programs regularly competing for conference titles and NCAA tournament berths.
The Hawks and Tigers represent different regions of HBCU basketball geography, with Maryland Eastern Shore anchoring the conference presence in the Mid-Atlantic and Savannah State representing the Southeast. When these programs meet, it reflects the interconnected nature of HBCU athletics, where competition on the court strengthens the broader community of historically Black institutions.
For students, alumni, and supporters of both universities, games like this one provide moments of pride and connection to their institutions. The atmosphere at HBCU basketball games—from the marching bands to the student sections—creates an experience that extends well beyond the final score. These contests are woven into the fabric of campus life and community identity.
Why this matters: HBCU basketball games represent more than athletic competition; they are cultural events that strengthen institutional pride and community bonds. When Maryland Eastern Shore and Savannah State take the court against each other, they carry forward a tradition of excellence and resilience that has defined historically Black colleges and universities for generations. Supporting these programs means investing in institutions that continue to transform lives and serve as anchors for their communities.