Collegiate Times

Cassell Coliseum could be the most intimidating arena in all of college basketball if each crowd was as energetic as the one that showed up in force last night.

I never really thought I would type that sentence above, but last night changed that.

The student section is always rowdy and loud, but it's contained to one end of the arena. A relatively laid back crowd occupies the rest of the building on most nights-- but not last night. With the general admission policy in effect, it was 360 degrees of pandemonium.

"By far (this) game and the Maryland game last year where they let all the students in because of the weather were probably the most high intensity games we've played with this crowd," said senior Marcus Travis.

I know it might not be a feasible proposal with older season ticket holders, but why not make every game general admission? No more hearing about students getting shut out by the lottery or seeing empty seats near the court. The most passionate fans show up early to get the best seats and in turn the most electric atmosphere is created.

If last night or the first round game against Morgan State are any indication, it helps raise Tech's level of play. The players were noticeably feeding off that energy; jumping higher, running faster, and shooting with dead-eye marksmanship. At the opening tip, Deron Washington and the UAB player both over-jumped the tip causing a do-over. Washington flashed a mischievous grin toward the student section before the next tip, then took a charge to open the game, and drained a three-pointer on the Hokies' first possession.

In those first few minutes it really seemed as though every Tech shot was falling because the crowd was willing the ball in the net.  Floaters, fadeaways, leaners, and three-point daggers all dropped through the nylon as the crowd grew more and more frenzied.

It was loud when Malcolm Delaney drained a three pointer while being fouled by UAB's Robert Vaden and then made the free throw, but it was a Delaney assist that nearly made the place explode. On a two against one breakaway at the 14:38 mark in the first half, Delaney lofted the ball just above the rim for Washington to throw down for the alley-oop slam dunk over the helpless UAB defender. It sent the place into madness, and I can say without a doubt that it was the loudest I've ever heard a crowd get in Cassell.

Even in the second half with the result securely in hand, students were still on their feet chanting for the reserves and thanking head coach Seth Greenberg for buying a block of 3,000 tickets.

The outpouring of energy and support were flooding onto the court and if the next game is as crazy, you can count on the Hokies making it to Madison Square Garden for the NIT semifinals. "It's getting louder almost every game, and I'm expecting next game to be even louder," Washington said. "It's a great atmosphere and I love playing here."