Saturday, March 04, 2006
Something Different In The Air
I don't know if it's because it's because it's senior day or a noon tip-off or an NCAA berth is probably on the line, but the atmosphere is a little different on the UC campus today. Or maybe it's the fact that Bob Huggins, himself, is in the house. go here to see some pictures from the Senior Day festivities before the West Virginia game. (They're not that good, because I took them.) But it was very interesting to see the crowd react to their prodigal coach. I was in Riverfront Stadium on Labor Day 1997 when Pete Rose watched his son play and the reception the fans gave on that day was very similar to today when Huggs came courtside. He may not have escorted Eric Hicks before the game but the Bearcat star made a special point to walk over to his old mentor and give him a big hug after his name was called.
I was extremely critical of the West Virginia football game about the lack of fans in the seats at game time. Not so today. Folks were in their seats early. The crowd was into this one early with Hicks draining a 3-pointer to open the game. But, Pitsnogle (I hate to admit it, but that's a damn cool name) and the Mountaineers came back and it was very evident that Bearcat Nation was not the only fan base in the house. West Virginia travelled very well, at times matching UC's cheering level. Of course, when they want to, the season ticket holders can rise up and roar. And they did early and often, moreso than usual. It seems like the fans have finally come around and embraced this team. About time. Fueled by the fans, UC held the lead for the rest of the first half going into the locker room up 37-31.
It was a great halftime with several former ballers being honored. No surprise, Oscar Roberston brought the crowd to it's feet but I was a little surprised by some of the folks who got some of the other big cheers. Melvin Levitt got a good response. So did Alex Meachum, the former walk-on. Maybe it had something to do the shirt he was sporting in support of Andy Kennedy. Following that ceremony, another chant of "HIRE ANDY" rang out among the sold-out crowd here at Fifth Third Arena. This was followed by the three-time national champion dance team, which looked crisp as always. That was a relief for me since we kept them from practice a bit this week so the dance team could visit us in-studio. Unfortunately, the team posters they were giving out today went too fast and we couldn't snag any. They're just too damn popular.
The second half started as a battle. UC maintained a decent lead, but the Mountaineers would not go away. They stayed in the game with good ball movement and some clutch bombs from behind the arc. Every shot was followed by yells of delight. Not only was the home crowd loud and proud but the very vocal minority from the Mountain State made it known when their squad would answer. As time ran down, UC just could not hold off WVU. Every shot UC made, someone in the blue and gold would answer. A double digit lead was picked at and picked at and dwindled down to a one-possession game. Despite this, Andy Kennedy's team somehow held on to a crucial win that should make it a little easier to get some sleep the night before Selection Sunday.
West Virginia coach John Beilein called it "toughest environment all year." The atmosphere was electric as the relief of the victory washed over the crowd and the players. They became one as Eric Hicks and other Bearcats did a Lambeau Leap into the student section. Others merely ran around the court, high-fiving those in the front row. Coach Kennedy even got into the act. He thanked the fans for giving this team the support they deserve. He also finished with "Huggs, we love you, brother."
I was extremely critical of the West Virginia football game about the lack of fans in the seats at game time. Not so today. Folks were in their seats early. The crowd was into this one early with Hicks draining a 3-pointer to open the game. But, Pitsnogle (I hate to admit it, but that's a damn cool name) and the Mountaineers came back and it was very evident that Bearcat Nation was not the only fan base in the house. West Virginia travelled very well, at times matching UC's cheering level. Of course, when they want to, the season ticket holders can rise up and roar. And they did early and often, moreso than usual. It seems like the fans have finally come around and embraced this team. About time. Fueled by the fans, UC held the lead for the rest of the first half going into the locker room up 37-31.
It was a great halftime with several former ballers being honored. No surprise, Oscar Roberston brought the crowd to it's feet but I was a little surprised by some of the folks who got some of the other big cheers. Melvin Levitt got a good response. So did Alex Meachum, the former walk-on. Maybe it had something to do the shirt he was sporting in support of Andy Kennedy. Following that ceremony, another chant of "HIRE ANDY" rang out among the sold-out crowd here at Fifth Third Arena. This was followed by the three-time national champion dance team, which looked crisp as always. That was a relief for me since we kept them from practice a bit this week so the dance team could visit us in-studio. Unfortunately, the team posters they were giving out today went too fast and we couldn't snag any. They're just too damn popular.
The second half started as a battle. UC maintained a decent lead, but the Mountaineers would not go away. They stayed in the game with good ball movement and some clutch bombs from behind the arc. Every shot was followed by yells of delight. Not only was the home crowd loud and proud but the very vocal minority from the Mountain State made it known when their squad would answer. As time ran down, UC just could not hold off WVU. Every shot UC made, someone in the blue and gold would answer. A double digit lead was picked at and picked at and dwindled down to a one-possession game. Despite this, Andy Kennedy's team somehow held on to a crucial win that should make it a little easier to get some sleep the night before Selection Sunday.
West Virginia coach John Beilein called it "toughest environment all year." The atmosphere was electric as the relief of the victory washed over the crowd and the players. They became one as Eric Hicks and other Bearcats did a Lambeau Leap into the student section. Others merely ran around the court, high-fiving those in the front row. Coach Kennedy even got into the act. He thanked the fans for giving this team the support they deserve. He also finished with "Huggs, we love you, brother."
