Secret Scrimmage 'Exhibitions' See HBCUs Find Success
Learn about the impact of secret scrimmages on HBCUs as they impress with notable wins against Division I programs.
HBCUs are turning heads this preseason with several impressive wins in what college basketball fans call a “secret scrimmage.” A secret scrimmage is a closed-door matchup between Division I programs—no fans, no media, and no official scorekeeping—that coaches use to evaluate their teams before the season begins.
Until this year, NCAA rules restricted public exhibitions to non-Division I opponents unless for charity, pushing most schools toward these private sessions. But a recent rule change now allows two full exhibitions against any four-year program, meaning secret scrimmages could soon become less secret—and more valuable for exposure, especially for HBCUs.
This month, several HBCUs showed they can hold their own.
Arkansas–Pine Bluff topped Arkansas–Little Rock 77-69 in a secret scrimmage that later surfaced online.
Author's summary: HBCUs achieve success in secret scrimmages.