Believe it or not, not everybody is a fan of snow in the winter. Believe it or not, your stressful fall semester is just about over. And believe it or not, your Eastern Michigan University men’s basketball team (6-3 overall) is undefeated so far at home this season.
The team is living up to the headline on the posters around town that read: “Together, we will make you believe.”
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for us to believe in the defending Mid-American Conference West Division champions.
These six wins came while winning the Ice Man Classic against Rochester College (66-52), Eastern Illinois University (60-52), Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne (60-47), Texas-Pan American (57-47), Madonna (75-57) and most recently against Big Ten opponent Purdue University (47-44).
The last time this program started its season 6-0 at home, one being against a B1G opponent, was during the 1987-88 campaign. EMU won every home game, finished with a 22-8 record, won the MAC (14-2) and made it to the NCAA Tournament.
Now you’ve all read about how our defense was a huge reason we won against Purdue, but if you’ve only read it then you’re missing out on all the fun.
A lot of students are still unsure about whether they’d have fun at the Convocation Center, so they just don’t make an attempt to go. Take it from freshman Josh Conklin who had a great time being a part of the victory over Purdue.
“The Purdue basketball game was awesome,” Conklin said. “I plan on going to as many [games] as I can.”
The Dec. 8 Purdue game was a White Out, and the first 300 fans got a free white T-shirt with the phrase “All Eyes On E” in green on the front. The student section was packed with “Convo Crazies,” and they all rushed the court after the final buzzer.
“The energy from the student section, to me, is what helped our team win,” Conklin said. “All the screaming and shouting was just awesome.”
He has a point. The student section didn’t play 2-3 zone defense or get the fast-breaking “And 1” layup, they didn’t even touch a basketball.
Redshirt junior Glenn Bryant understands the true importance of students being a strong support group for his team. After that game, Bryant expressed his feelings on Twitter. “[Shoutout to] ALL the EMU students that showed love today ESPECIALLY the STUDENT SECTION, TURNT UP,” Bryant’s tweet said.
The Eagles, assuming the world doesn’t end Dec. 21st, have 12 more home games starting with Oakland University Dec. 22 and Siena Heights Dec. 28. If you can’t make it to those games, you will have to wait until classes start back up. EMU hosts Ball State Jan. 9 to begin their conference slate.
So, why not be part of the action? Why not check out the brand new scoreboard? Why not make friends? Why not dress like a horse, chicken or even a storm trooper wearing a shirt and tie?
Why not be a part of the Eagle Nation fan section and get some free Domino’s pizza or try to win an iPad? Why not get out of your dorm room and make your college experience one that you’ll never forget?
EMU wants students to be a part of this action and have something to be excited about, giving you a stress reliever from that five-page paper you have due next Tuesday. It’s fun, free and could be some of the best times of your young adult life.