NIT Home game

[Warrior of Law]

The BMOBC is open on Wed., March 16th, so if they can draw a 4 seed or better that will be an option.  Of course, the Al would be available at no cost.  Question: financially (assuming its a choice/option), would it be better for MU to play a home game at the BMOBC or at the Al?

[Herman Cain]

I would like to see the game at the BC against Virginia Tech. The place would be rockin.

[warriorchick]

The BMOBC is open on Wed., March 16th, so if they can draw a 4 seed or better that will be an option.  Of course, the Al would be available at no cost.  Question: financially (assuming its a choice/option), would it be better for MU to play a home game at the BMOBC or at the Al?

Depends on how much it costs to lease the BC. Certainly we could sell more tickets than the Al holds.

[RushmoreAcademy]

Assuming we can get in, there are some matchups I'd love to see. VT among them.

[MU_Beav]

I would like to see the game at the BC against Virginia Tech. The place would be rockin.

like the way you think - if we can take care of business against the Johnnies, that would be a terrific matchup.  The BC would fill up and TV rating would also be strong.

[ChicosBailBonds]

like the way you think - if we can take care of business against the Johnnies, that would be a terrific matchup.  The BC would fill up and TV rating would also be strong.

Negative on the TV rating, I doubt the BC would fill up either.  The timing to sell tickets is very short.

[MUUWUWM]

BC would not be rocking. 12,000 tops...probably closer to 10,000

[GGGG]

BC would not be rocking. 12,000 tops...probably closer to 10,000

Yep.  Zero students too.

[Warrior of Law]

I seem to recall a home NIT game vs Creighton in 1998 or so. If it drew 2000 it would be an overstatement.  I don't see a home game drawing over 4000 considering the regular attendance numbers and the time to sell tickets.

[Babybluejeans]

Not rockin'. People may assume that because Scoopers would be interested in a matchup w/ VT that the general population would too. But most people don't care about NIT games, period. And half the students probably don't even know who Buzz is.

Plus, that matchup would be depressing: VT will be thrilled to be in the NIT and most of us will be "meh."

[CountryRoads]

Negative on the TV rating, I doubt the BC would fill up either.  The timing to sell tickets is very short.

BC would be dead against VT. There are probably only about 800 people who even still care about buzz. Think they should definitely try and play at the Al. A minor league venue for a minor league event.

[bradley center bat]

First round NIT games average about 2,000 or so in attendance.

[jsglow]

Yep.  Zero students too.

Not zero.  Classes end that day.  Weird spring break this year tied to Easter.

[Dawson Rental]

Better question; Why would we be hosting VT, instead of the other way around?

[4everwarriors]

More laughable scenario would have VaTech in da real Tourney, hey?

[BM1090]

Better question; Why would we be hosting VT, instead of the other way around?

Because our resume is probably better? Not that it really matters, but can't lose at home to a SWAC team.

[ChicosBailBonds]

More laughable scenario would have VaTech in da real Tourney, hey?

They could go pretty far in the ACC tournament with their draw, but they have a .23% to get the auto bid. 

[4everwarriors]

So , you'd rule out an at large bid, hey?

[Knight Commission]

We already lost in the finals in the NIT against Virginia Tech back in 90s.  Entertaining game. 

[ChicosBailBonds]

So , you'd rule out an at large bid, hey?

They have no shot of an at large bid.  86 RPI.  None.

Even if they beat FSU, Miami, and Virginia, then lose in the semis....that's a 66 RPI projection.  Not going to happen for them.  They need to win it all.

[77ncaachamps]

Give away the tickets. Fill the place so concessions can be sold and parking passes can be purchased... Never understood why they'd hold onto them...

[Jay Bee]

The BMOBC is open on Wed., March 16th, so if they can draw a 4 seed or better that will be an option.  Of course, the Al would be available at no cost.  Question: financially (assuming its a choice/option), would it be better for MU to play a home game at the BMOBC or at the Al?

Not sure they need to draw a 4 or better.

Rules aren't as always seemingly obvious as you'd like to believe.

[mu_hilltopper]

I vote for the Al.

[Dr. Blackheart]

The 2005 NIT debacle vs WMU drew 3181 at the BC.

http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/westmichigan_03_14_05

[MarquetteDano]

Remember going to the 1995 NIT quarterfinal against South Florida and there was a packed crowd at the Mecca.  What would that be 12,000 or so?

Best part was the Marquette team doing the "Can Can" while they played "New York New York" on the sound system.

p.s. not saying that we could get that type of crowd in a last minute first round matchup.  But we did get a big crowd for that one.

[Jay Bee]

Remember going to the 1995 NIT quarterfinal against South Florida and there was a packed crowd at the Mecca.  What would that be 12,000 or so?

Best part was the Marquette team doing the "Can Can" while they played "New York New York" on the sound system.

p.s. not saying that we could get that type of crowd in a last minute first round matchup.  But we did get a big crowd for that one.

I was there. Amazing evening.

[Warrior of Law]

The 1995 game was moved back to the Arena which was part of the novelty.  In fact, it's the only MU game I have ever seen at the Arena (in person).

Not sure the AL was an option for the 2005 NIT boondoggle vs Western Michigan.  Anyhow, if MU has to pay rent of 20K for the BMOBC, they'll struggle to recoup the investment with a crowd of 2000.  The novelty of the AL may draw a few more fans.

[MUUWUWM]

Those days are gone...its a what have you done for me lately type of fans now.

[WarriorFan]

The AL is too small, the BC too large... play it at the MECCA? (or whatever it's called this week)

[jsglow]

We went to the MECCA game as well. Date night while the kids played at grandma's house. Must have been on a weekend.

[bilsu]

The AL is too small, the BC too large... play it at the MECCA? (or whatever it's called this week)

The AL would be about 2/3 full. I would be there and I think I would also go to the game, if it was at Virginia Tech. My brother lives in Virginia, so I would think he would go to the game with me even though he is a Badger fan.

[The Lens]

Re: 1995, the MECCA was filled for South Florida bc a) it was MU's first game back in 8 years and b) it was a quarter final game, winner goes to NYC.

An underrated NIT game that year was vs the Bonnie's at home in the BC.  Maybe only 4,000 of us but we all had bought seats just for that game so fans packed the seats around the court.  Great atmosphere. 

Another run to NYC would be enjoyable.

[Litehouse]

Give away the tickets. Fill the place so concessions can be sold and parking passes can be purchased... Never understood why they'd hold onto them...

Marquette doesn't get the money from concessions at the BC.

[bradley center bat]

Remember going to the 1995 NIT quarterfinal against South Florida and there was a packed crowd at the Mecca.  What would that be 12,000 or so?

That game was over 8,000 vs USF

[We R Final Four]

The 2005 NIT debacle vs WMU drew 3181 at the BC.

http://wiki.muscoop.com/doku.php/men_s_basketball/westmichigan_03_14_05

I was there. Man, was that a bad night.

[Buzz Williams' Spillproof Chiclets Cup]

The attendance at the 2003-04 NIT games
Toledo: 5,634
Boise State: 11,386 (with Crean buying 1,000 tickets for students)

[4everwarriors]

Any proof that T-Cubed actually paid out green, cash money for them tix, hey?

[keefe]

I was there. Man, was that a bad night.

"Bad?" "Bad!"

That was one the one of the most shameful nights in the long, proud, storied history of our beloved alma mater. I think it was the epiphany moment we had regarding the Tanned Tyrant

[Nukem2]

"Bad?" "Bad!"

That was one the one of the most shameful nights in the long, proud, storied history of our beloved alma mater. I think it was the epiphany moment we had regarding the Tanned Tyrant

Really felt down walking out of the BC that night.  But when you have Marcus Jackson at PG along with a pouting Dameon Mason, I guess it was meant to be.

[brewcity77]

The Al would be great. That game against Alabama A&M was fun last year. Cram 4,000 in and it's actually be full. Get a real opponent and I think you could get a great atmosphere. I'd rather see 3,700 at the Al than 6,000 at the BC (and would we get that?).

[esotericmindguy]

Because our resume is probably better? Not that it really matters, but can't lose at home to a SWAC team.

Ah no, they beat two top 10 teams and finiished 10-8 in the acc.

[Buzz Williams' Spillproof Chiclets Cup]

Any proof that T-Cubed actually paid out green, cash money for them tix, hey?

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/recap?gameId=240830269
"Crean bought 1,000 tickets for Marquette students, helping to
bolster the crowd to 11,386. He spent time after the game hoping
the NIT would give the Golden Eagles a third consecutive home game."

[BM1090]

Ah no, they beat two top 10 teams and finiished 10-8 in the acc.

Yep and they beat 0 top 100 teams in non conference compared to 3 for us. And had two bad losses.

Splitting hairs, really. Depends on what you value. They have better wins, more conference wins. They have worse losses. On second look I tend to agree that theirs is better but it's close.

[MU82]

If we are lucky/good enough to get into the NIT and if we are double lucky/double good enough to get a home game, the Al is a freakin' no-brainer.

Sell the place out, get it rockin' and then consider a bigger venue, maybe the Arena, for a second/third home game.

Playing at the BC would be silly. I'd rather it be at the Old Gym, for crissakes!

[Coleman]

The Al would not be too small for a first round NIT game. They might sell out the Al, but it wouldn't be by much. There's no way we'd draw more than 4,000 fans at a Bradley Center NIT first round game...the place would be completely empty. They absolutely should have it at the Al.

[Herman Cain]

As much as I would like it for us to match up with Buzz and Va Tech in the NIT, the more I think about it, I think a match up with Northwestern would be even better. If we have to play the game there the place would still be full of MU fans. Collins vs Wojo would be fun. Would be nice  for the Warriors to get another Big Ten scalp.

[bilsu]

I think MU has a better chance of winning against anybody at the AL than the BMO Center, because that is where they practice everyday.

[jsglow]

I think MU has a better chance of winning against anybody at the AL than the BMO Center, because that is where they practice everyday.

Is the game going to be downstairs in Kasten?

[Coleman]

How about the Marquette Gymnasium?

[Hubert Davis]

If MU were to host an NIT game this year, I totally agree it should be at the Al. But that makes too much sense, right? Lets see if our incompetent athletic department makes the right call...

[reinko]

Didn't we play in the arena against UW-m like 3 or 4 years ago as a "road" game?

Edit.  Yerp, 2010-2011.  Remember they gave us a scare too, 75-72

[GGGG]

If MU were to host an NIT game this year, I totally agree it should be at the Al. But that makes too much sense, right? Lets see if our incompetent athletic department makes the right call...

And if there is one thing Al Davis knows, it's incompetence.

[Da 'Lanche]

Can we host it at Rucker Park? 

[Sir Lawrence]

"Bad?" "Bad!"

That was one the one of the most shameful nights in the long, proud, storied history of our beloved alma mater. I think it was the epiphany moment we had regarding the Tanned Tyrant

This.  I attended that game, and it indeed was shameful.

Count me as one that would like to see any potential NIT match-up take place at the Al. 

[Coleman]

Have it at the Al. $5 tickets...free for students...first come, first serve, general admission seating.

Its the least MU can do for its fans after these long 3 years.

[ringoutahoya]

If MU were to host an NIT game this year, I totally agree it should be at the Al. But that makes too much sense, right? Lets see if our incompetent athletic department makes the right call...

Butt-hurt about something, chi chi?

[ChicosBailBonds]

"Bad?" "Bad!"

That was one the one of the most shameful nights in the long, proud, storied history of our beloved alma mater. I think it was the epiphany moment we had regarding the Tanned Tyrant

Named Big Ten coach of the year today by AP

When you have 24 hours to sell tickets, your best player is hurt, well it wasn't a good thing.  There have been other "shameful" moments over the years, most of them off the court.

[MU82]

Named Big Ten coach of the year today by AP

When you have 24 hours to sell tickets, your best player is hurt, well it wasn't a good thing.  There have been other "shameful" moments over the years, most of them off the court.

Attaboy, Chicos. Way to stand by your man ... whom you claim is a totally hate-able d-bag. It's kind of like Heisy's love/hate with Trump.

[forgetful]

Named Big Ten coach of the year today by AP

When you have 24 hours to sell tickets, your best player is hurt, well it wasn't a good thing.  There have been other "shameful" moments over the years, most of them off the court.

Honestly, should have been Gard.

[real chili 83]

Free beer.

[ChicosBailBonds]

Honestly, should have been Gard.

In your opinion. 

[ChicosBailBonds]

Attaboy, Chicos. Way to stand by your man ... whom you claim is a totally hate-able d-bag. It's kind of like Heisy's love/hate with Trump.

Please keep politics off the main board.

I stated a point of fact, only here on Scoop does that translate into a defense

Bob knight was a great coach....and a douche.  Yes, it is possible to not like someone but still acknowledge their ability in their craft.

[Hubert Davis]

Butt-hurt about something, chi chi?

I'm butt-hurt at the lack of winning lately, lack of respect for long-time season ticket holders, lack of respect for former teams/players (see removal of 52 Hilltoppers banner hanging from rafters), butt-hurt about the piss poor scheduling, and butt-hurt about the incompetent athletic department running the show (see silly extension given to Wojo for absolutely nothing). This program has a lot of work to do. I hope Wojo can get it done.

Just win baby.

[barfolomew]

I saw on my U-Verse guide that on Monday, 3/14, ESPN Classic will be airing the 1998 NIT Quarterfinal game between MU and Minnesota.
(Spoiler alert below if you don't know who won that game.)

That Minnesota squad was 15-15 on the season, and 8-10 in the B1G. RPI in the 70s.
Won the whole thing.* Just sayin.

* Of course, ol' Clem Haskins thought papers/coursework should be optional for his team, so that title was vacated.

[WI inferiority Complexes]

We never got our game on the aircraft carrier; maybe we should play there.

[MU82]

I'm butt-hurt at the lack of winning lately, lack of respect for long-time season ticket holders, lack of respect for former teams/players (see removal of 52 Hilltoppers banner hanging from rafters), butt-hurt about the piss poor scheduling, and butt-hurt about the incompetent athletic department running the show (see silly extension given to Wojo for absolutely nothing). This program has a lot of work to do. I hope Wojo can get it done.

Just win baby.

That's a lot of butt-hurt.

I think they make ointments for that.

[MU82]

Please keep politics off the main board.

I stated a point of fact, only here on Scoop does that translate into a defense

Bob knight was a great coach....and a douche.  Yes, it is possible to not like someone but still acknowledge their ability in their craft.

All true.

[Coleman]

Bob knight was a great coach....and a douche.  Yes, it is possible to not like someone but still acknowledge their ability in their craft.

Agreed on Bob Knight. A douche and a great coach.

Crean is also a douche. I don't think Crean is a great coach by any stretch. He did a good job with this year's IU squad. He had a couple good years at MU too. He also crapped the bed a lot. He brought MU back to relevance, and consistently underperformed in every NCAA tournament without Dwyane Wade.

Saying he has a mixed record is probably a fair statement. He's still a douche though.

[Hubert Davis]

That's a lot of butt-hurt.

I think they make ointments for that.

What ointment do you recommend?

[StillAWarrior]

What ointment do you recommend?

Winning.  It's the best ointment.

[Hubert Davis]

Winning.  It's the best ointment.

Amen. WINNING heals everything!

[MU82]

Agreed on Bob Knight. A douche and a great coach.

Crean is also a douche. I don't think Crean is a great coach by any stretch. He did a good job with this year's IU squad. He had a couple good years at MU too. He also crapped the bed a lot. He brought MU back to relevance, and consistently underperformed in every NCAA tournament without Dwyane Wade.

... and even one with Dwyane Wade.