Hofstra & Iona basketball to settle home-court advantage with a game of chance

In a college basketball season that is sure to be unusual and unpredictable, two top New York basketball programs are leaving home-court advantage up to the simple, yet important, choice of rock, paper or scissors.

Hofstra University and Iona College have locked in a three-year series of men's basketball matchups between the two Division I programs. Hofstra is coming off a CAA title last season, while Iona is now led by former national champion Rick Pitino.

But who will get to be the home team in two of those three games is going to be a ferocious battle in its own way -- with Gael's mascot Killan facing off against the Pride's Willie the Lion playing the classic game of rock, paper, scissors for home-court rights in 2020 and 2022.

The interesting move comes as college basketball teams are still figuring out their schedules weeks ahead of tip-off. Some conferences are sticking to playing their conference rivals, while others are playing limited non-conference slates.

The matchup will happen on Zoom Wednesday, with both Pitino and acting Hofstra coach Mike Farrelly on the call to cheer on their favorite mascot.

And though you may have never heard these mascots talk before, they provided their own comments ahead of the big day.

Willie said, "I know my paws have the power to win this and with Kate Pride's support and the Hofstra community behind me I know we will prevail!"

While Killan fired back, "Willie Pride is a worthy opponent, but with Gael Nation behind me, there is no doubt the Maroon & Gold shall prevail."

After the dust settles, Hofstra-Iona and its human basketball players will take the court Dec. 23. The rock, paper, scissors game can be caught on Hofstra's YouTube or Iona's Facebook.

Photo courtesy of Hofstra Athletics

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