Facing the Play-in opponent

[5YearsatMU]

The Boise fans were mostly disinterested until the very end when it was anyone's game.  The Kentucky and Louisville fans are both very passionate and knowledgeable college basketball fanbases.  They'll be into it the whole game.

The entire top half was Utah state fans. We've all see how passionate they are. I sat second row behind The MU bench. The fans were definitely interested. It was loud the whole game.

[wardle2wade]

The entire top half was Utah state fans. We've all see how passionate they are. I sat second row behind The MU bench. The fans were definitely interested. It was loud the whole game.

I was there too... Naturally the USU fans were interested, but the Boise locals in the corners and behind hoop barely cared until the end of the game.  That will be different in Louisville. 

Couple years ago, I was the only one on scoop saying it'd be a road game when we played UW in San Jose due to alum, Pac-10 country, etc... everyone went at lengths saying it wouldn't matter and it's neutral.  When the game started, it was very obvious that there was lots of purple in the Shark Tank.  I've been to a lot of MU roadgames, and the Shark Tank felt like we were playing UW at the Kohl Hole.  It fueled the Huskies big run and got every 50/50 and ticky-tack call down the stretch.  We were a 6-seed though, so couldn't complain too much.

I think MU can handle it all... just a shame as Brew pointed out, we're supposed to be "protected" from this situation.

[TallTitan34]

The entire top half was Utah state fans. We've all see how passionate they are. I sat second row behind The MU bench. The fans were definitely interested. It was loud the whole game.

I sat on the court 

That was the most hostile crowd I've ever seen and I've been to many MU road games.

[wardle2wade]

I sat on the court 

That was the most hostile crowd I've ever seen and I've been to many MU road games.

Point taken... you win on experience alone, TT

[klyrish]

When we played in Minneapolis, there were a lot of fans that cheered for both MU and UW (we played back-to-back). Some Badger fans even stayed the weekend to watch Marquette play UK and cheered for us over the Wildcats. March Madness can make for strange bedfellows.

EVERY Wisconsin fan/alumnus I've met has said they cheer for Marquette and many have said they prefer Marquette over WI for basketball (shocking, I know, considering how fast-paced and high-intensity WI basketball is).

I have met, to date, 2 MU fans/alumni that also cheer for WI.

[MUMac]

EVERY Wisconsin fan/alumnus I've met has said they cheer for Marquette and many have said they prefer Marquette over WI for basketball (shocking, I know, considering how fast-paced and high-intensity WI basketball is).

I have met, to date, 2 MU fans/alumni that also cheer for WI.

Don't know your sample size for the first, but my experience is far different.  Perhaps being in enemy territory is the reason.  But to your 2nd, most MU alums are not from Wisconsin.  I wouldn't expect that many to cheer for WI for that fact alone.