Hall of Fame Series – Baltimore: Preview

The 2024 Hall of Fame Series makes its first trip to Baltimore, Maryland on Nov 15. The series hosts two stand-alone games that include four power five teams.

Although it is still early in the season, three undefeated teams will make the trip to Baltimore. The CFG Bank Arena has also hosted BIG3 games and will host the CIAA conference tournament this year.

The Hall of Fame Series games include Virginia (2-0) vs. Villanova (2-2) and Virginia Tech (3-0) vs. Penn State (3-0). 

General Information

Teams: Virginia (2-0) and Villanova (2-2)

Tip time: 5 p.m. EST

Watch: TNT

Listen: Virginia Sports Radio Network and Villanova Sports Radio Network

What to know about Virginia basketball

The Cavaliers enter the Hall of Fame Series 2-0, following a 62-45 win over Coppin State on Monday. After a slow start, Virginia basketball pulled away and controlled the game. This was a change from the regular season opener that saw Campbell keep it close with the Cavaliers. 

Virginia basketball is led by a mix of newcomers and returners. First-year forward Jacob Cofie has come off the bench averaging 13.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in his two games with the Cavaliers. 

The Hoos have been consistent from behind the arc, shooting 37%. But, the biggest question for Virginia basketball right now is at the point guard position. 

Third-year Andrew Rohde missed Monday’s game after starting the season opener. This allowed Kansas State transfer Dai Dai Ames to pick up his first start for the Cavaliers against Coppin State. Ames ran the point, picking up three assists to go along with his 13 points. 

Although Tony Bennett’s retirement left questions for the future of Virginia basketball, the start of the Ron Sanchez era still highlights the slow pace pack-line defense in Charlottesville.

What to know about Villanova basketball

Villanova basketball travels to Baltimore after a slow start to the season. After the 83-76 loss to Saint Joseph’s on Hawk Hill, the Wildcats are once again looking for a way to turn their season around. 

In the loss to the Hawks, bench scoring was a problem for Villanova. The bench scored only 5 of the ‘Cats 76 points on Tuesday night. Fresno State transfer Enoch Boakye, was the lone starter that did not score, after getting in foul trouble and playing just eight minutes.

Graduate Student Eric Dixon has been a bright spot for Villanova basketball averaging 26.3 points and 8 rebounds. Dixon is currently ninth in the country in points per game and poses a threat to any defender that the Cavaliers put on the floor. 

If Villanova wants to start a move in the right direction they will have to find a way to limit turnovers and the bench will have to get more involved. 

General Information

Teams: Virginia Tech (3-0) and Penn State (3-0)

Tip time: 7:30 p.m. EST

Watch: Peacock

Listen: The Virginia Tech Sports Network and Penn State Sports Network

Latest on Virginia Tech basketball

Following Virginia Tech basketball’s 58-52 win over Winthrop on Monday, the Hokies enter the Hall of Fame Series 3-0. The Hokies trailed by two at halftime, but controlled the second half to win their third straight to start the season. 

Tobi Lawal leads the way for the Hokies, averaging 14.3 points per game. The VCU transfer scored 23 points in his debut for Virginia Tech basketball against Delaware State. 

The Hokies play at a slow pace that gives them 66.9 possessions per game, which ranks them outside the top 300 in college basketball. But the slow pace has not meant great shooting. In their three games, the Hokies have shot 43.7% from the field. 

Virginia Tech basketball has not faced a Power Five opponent so far this season. With Penn State basketball’s contrasting style the Hokies will have to control the pace to leave Baltimore with a win. 

Latest on Penn State basketball

Penn State basketball makes the trip down to Baltimore after three dominating wins over Binghamton, UMBC and Saint Francis (Pa.). The Nittany Lions are averaging 101 points per game which places them fifth in the country. 

The Nittany Lions have five players that are averaging in double-figures, led by Yanic Konan Niederhauser who averages 15 points per game. The 7 foot center gets all of his scoring from inside the paint or from the free throw line. He shoots an efficient 65% from the field. 

Penn State basketball plays at a pace that ranks them inside the top 25 in possessions per game. Although the pace is quick, the Nittany Lions have been efficient in not wasting possessions by turning the ball over. 

They also use this pace to force turnovers at a very high rate. Penn State basketball gets 15 steals per game, which ranks them inside the top five in college basketball. 

The Hokies will be the first Power Five team that Penn State basketball faces, so the trip to Baltimore is a good chance to test their ability against a solid opponent.