<
        >

          NBA All-Star 2022: Best moments from the HBCU Classic meeting between Howard Bison and Morgan State Bears

          play
          Tai Bibbs skies for the big-time flush (0:35)

          Howard's Tai Bibbs drives the line and throws down an impressive dunk. (0:35)

          • Cayla Sweazie
          Feb 19, 2022, 05:05 PM ET

          The Howard Bison and Morgan State Bears renewed their rivalry on Saturday, this time as part of NBA All-Star Weekend in Cleveland.

          Two of the nation's most prominent historically Black colleges and universities are separated by just 45 miles and are MEAC foes. This weekend's meeting, the inaugural HBCU Classic Game, is an event constructed to promote the efforts of the HBCU athletes and communities.

          Howard hung on to win a tight 68-66 game.

          NBA All-Star Weekend is known for the celebrity sightings, iconic NBA legends, major fashion statements and everything in between. Now it adds this historic matchup with both teams showcasing their talents as part of one of the sports world's biggest weekends. The HBCU Classic Game also featured artwork by HBCU students and a postgame panel for both teams.

          Here are some of the best moments from the event:

          Read more: NBA All-Star Weekend experts' picks

          The anthem

          Actress and singer Keke Palmer sings an HBCU pregame staple, the unofficial Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing," to get things started in the Wolstein Center.

          Meeting the All-Stars

          play
          7:01
          Chris Paul continues to shine light on HBCUs

          Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul discusses enrolling at historically Black Winston-Salem State and why he picked Florida A&M for his show.

          Historic first points

          Morgan State's Chad Venning has the first points of the HBCU Classic.

          Celeb sightings

          Spike Lee, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker -- who attended Morehouse College -- with Tamika Tremaglio, the NBPA's newly hired executive director. Tremaglio replaced Michele Roberts in the role last month.

          Milwaukee Bucks star and 2021 NBA champion Khris Middleton sitting courtside.

          NBA champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Gary Payton taking in the action.

          Sights and sounds