LOS ANGELES, CA—December 30, 2025: Allen Media Group’s HBCU GO, the free-streaming digital platform and premier destination for HBCU sports and culture, officially tips off the 2026 basketball season on Saturday, January 3 at 1 p.m. ET with a marquee Sunshine State rivalry as Florida A&M travels to Bethune-Cookman for a men’s and women’s doubleheader to open SWAC play for both programs.
The matchup is anchored by a headline coaching duel between Charlie Ward, former Heisman Trophy winner and NBA veteran in his first season leading Florida A&M, and Reggie Theus, NBA All-Star and head coach/athletic director of Bethune-Cookman, who looks to build on the Wildcats’ recent momentum. That star power only heightens the intensity of this in-state rivalry, which carries major stakes on both sides of the ball. On the women’s side, the Lady Rattlers and Lady Wildcats split their series last season, setting the stage for another evenly matched battle, while the men’s matchup sees Bethune-Cookman defending home court after sweeping Florida A&M a year ago.
The women basketball game between Florida A&M and Bethune Cookman showdown begins at 1pm EST at Moore Gymnasium in Daytona Beach, Florida; Courtesy of Front Page Firm
Coverage will be powered by HBCU GO’s deep and dynamic broadcast bench. Play-by-play announcer James Hadnot brings command of the game, energetic delivery, and deep knowledge of HBCU athletics; Hadnot is joined by Lawrencia Moten, a former Division I athlete with sharp on-court insight, and Tim Scarborough, whose experience and basketball IQ add strategic perspective. New this season, Thai Floyd and Olivia Antilla join the roster, adding fresh energy and expanded versatility across in-game, sideline, and studio coverage—further elevating HBCU GO’s on-air presence for the 2026 season.
Following the women’s game, HBCU GO will premiere the HBCU GO Sports Crossover Show, hosted by Jasmine McKoy and Tolly Carr. The weekly program will focus on HBCU sports and culture, featuring highlights, player profiles and interviews.
The men basketball game between Florida A&M and Bethune Cookman kick off after the women’s game at 3:30pm EST at Moore Gymnasium in Daytona Beach, Florida; Courtesy of Front Page Firm
MATCHUP
Florida A&M vs. Bethune-Cookman
LOCATION
Moore Gymnasium
640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
Daytona Beach, Fla.
GAME TIMES (EST)
Women’s game: 1 p.m.
Men’s game: 3:30 p.m.
BROADCAST TEAM
James Hadnot, play-by-play
Lawrencia Moten, analyst
Tim Scarborough, analyst
STORYLINES
• Florida A&M–Bethune-Cookman rivalry
• SWAC conference opener
• Women’s and men’s doubleheader
• Ward vs. Theus coaching matchup
• Expanded HBCU GO broadcast team debut
Don’t miss this Sunshine State showdown as two storied rivals tip off HBCU college basketball opening weekend, live on HBCUGO.TV.
