DETROIT -- The Horatio Williams Foundation in conjunction with the Wayne State University Department of Athletics will be hosting the second annual Hoops and Culture event on Saturday, October 24.

"We are excited to partner with the Horatio Williams Foundation again this year to bring this unique experience back to Detroit," said head men's basketball coach Bryan Smothers.  "The opportunity to play a scrimmage against a prestigious program like Tuskegee, who is consistently one of the best programs in the south, will provide a great test to our team before the season starts.  This event is another example of why Wayne State and the city of Detroit are setting the bar for athletics and culture."

Being hosted at the Wayne State Fieldhouse, the day's events will begin with an HBCU College Expo and Skills Trade from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Then, starting at 2 p.m., three games will be played with the schedule listed below:

2:00 p.m. -- Wayne State vs. Tuskegee (scrimmage)
4:30 p.m. -- Detroit Mercy vs. Alabama A&M (exhibition)
7:00 p.m. -- Oakland vs. Tennessee State (exhibition)

One ticket will allow you to see all three games.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 (+ fees) by clicking here.

"Hoops & Culture is about so much more than basketball," said Deputy Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator Dr. Candice L. Turner.  "It is an opportunity to celebrate the intersection of athletics, education, community, and culture, while creating meaningful experiences for young people across Detroit.  Our partnership, now in it's second year with Horatio Williams Foundation, reflects a shared commitment to using sports as a vehicle for opportunity, mentorship, and community engagement.  We are especially excited to welcome Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to Wayne State again recognizing their rich legacy of academic excellence, cultural influence, and transformative impact on generations of students.  Bringing these institutions together through basketball creates an opportunity to celebrate their history, elevate their visibility, and expose young people in our community to the breadth of educational opportunities available to them.  At Wayne State, we believe athletics has the power to build bridges between institutions and communities, and Hoops & Culture is a meaningful reflection of that commitment."