Storylines – vs. Elizabeth City State
In his first season overseeing the Vikings men's basketball program, Head Coach Shawn Walker looks to build on the success of his team from last year. Walker returns to the University following his coaching stint from 2002-14 when he led the 2007 Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association championship team at Elizabeth City State. UVa-Wise and ECSU met for their season opener last year in the Earl Lloyd Classic where the Vikings reigned victorious over the Cavaliers. The Vikings completed their 2017-18 campaign with a 12-15 overall record and a 5-11 mark in league play. Sophomore guard Zaccheus Hobbs led his Vikings squad last season in scoring, averaging 13.2 points per game and shooting 39.1 percent from the floor. Hobbs was followed by senior guard Shyheid Petteway who posted 12.4 points per game and led the team in rebounding with 3.8 rebounds per contest. ECSU was selected to finish 10th in the CIAA preseason poll and tabbed fourth in the northern division while Hobbs was named to the CIAA preseason team.

About UVa-Wise
UVa-Wise will look to carry over their momentum into their matchup against the Vikings of Elizabeth City State on the final day of the Earl Lloyd Classic Saturday afternoon. The team updated the men's basketball history book in a dominating 104-82 season opener win over Livingstone College on day one of the Earl Lloyd Classic Friday evening. The Cavaliers tied the team single-game record for most three-point field goals made (18) while freshman guard Briggs Parris had a phenomenal debut as he tied the individual single-season record for most three-point field goals made (9), going 9-for-14 from downtown. Parris led the Cavs in scoring with 31 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Junior guard Michal Seals posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists along with eight rebounds. Junior forward Tajh Eason had 15 points and nine rebounds followed by freshman guard Cameron Whiteside who had 12 points. UVa-Wise had an outstanding offensive showing going 36-for-71 (50.7 percent) in the contest as the Cavs went 18-for-34 (52.9 percent) from downtown and 1-for-22 (63.6 percent) from the free throw line.