HAMPTON, Va. (Jan. 26, 2026) … Two of the Coastal Athletic Association's top defense will battle it out when Hampton (10-11, 4-4) plays at Drexel (10-11, 4-4).

League stats bear that out. The Dragons limit opponents to a conference-stingiest 66.7 points while the Pirates yield only 67.8 points --- and a mere 66.1 points in CAA play. Hampton (491) and Drexel (489) have allowed the fewest field goals. The Pirates (127) and the Dragons (118) have yielded the fewest three-pointers.

The Pirates have lost their last four games away from home including three CAA contests on enemy courts. The Dragons have won their last three games at the Daskalakis Center.

Hampton had won a conference-best 11 consecutive games at the Convocation Center dating back to last season before falling to first-place UNCW 75-67 on Jan. 24.

Hampton lost a 53-52 heart-breaker to the Dragons in its last visit to Philadelphia on Feb. 27, 2025.

The Game
A closer look at Hampton and Drexel reveals that two teams that are nearly identical and are mirror images of one another in many ways. Both Hampton and Drexel sport identical overall and league records, 10-11. 4-4.

Both teams are known for their stifling, unrelenting, defensive play with Hampton yielding 67.8 ppg (and a mere 66.1 ppg against CAA opposition) and Drexel a league-best 66.7 ppg.

The Dragon defense has been particularly effective against the Pirates. Hampton has averaged just 63.3 ppg in the four match-ups with Drexel. Last year's game at Drexel resulted in a 53-52 victory for the Dragons. In that game, the Pirates shot 34.4 percent from the field and 20 percent from three-point range.

Hampton is led by senior Michael Eley (12.8 ppg), who has suffered from a painful turf toe injury all season. Junior Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt averages 11.9 ppg. His lightning quick first step move to the basket has drawn many fouls. Gaines-Wyatt is responsible for 28 percent of Hampton's free throws.

Xavier Long is 14th in the nation in rebounding with a 10.2 norm. The senior is averaging 9,4 points and teammate Daniel Johnson, a sophomore, scores at a 9.6 clip for the Pirates.

Second-year coach Ivan Thomas inherited a team that had posted five consecutive losing records and a 52-100 (.342) log over that period. His first team recorded a surprising 17-16 record and the Pirates won their first-round game in the CAA Tournament.