Blers wrote:
I really don't think student attendance was a major issue tonight compared to what we've seen in the past... Most programs have a student section and the rest is filled with alumni and locals. I definitely think student attendance has vastly improved since Moser started; and I've seen recent grads in the stands coming back which hopefully bodes well for the future.... It's building that other fan base that is key to making the arena fill up more. The band has been pretty great at getting students rowdy at the right times; and i don't doubt the students helped agitate Wright State in the second half (RIP that trash can).
Game Notes
-Great game for Bruno, looked so smooth on the drive and much more confident today
-Cam can be such a weapon on defense with his length. Two more steals today for the freshmen
-Not a big fan of Doyle, Custer, and Richardson going over 35 minutes leading by double digits most of the game
-I loved seeing Tyson out there... He was feisty defensively and though they weren't steals helped force some balls our way wish he would have given him a bit more time late in the game... also no Kirby at all?
-Was that not the most physical game in a while? I was surprised refs let so many calls go...but then proceed to turn the game into a SLOG for the final 5
-Overall to me it seemed like somewhat of an off night, the team looked a little frustrated with their effort and were a little out of sync at times... and it ended with a 77-64 win. I have to think that's some good culture being built. Maybe I'm projecting a bit but it almost looked like players had a "this wasn't enough" attitude. That's the attitude that creates special teams. Love it.
I don't understand why no Kirby either. Didn't expect Tyson Smith to make an appearance. Satterwhite has made a lot of progress, and it's impressive how cool he is for a freshman. This was probably Bruno's best game-- surprising call on Moser's part. And as for Doyle, Custer and Richardson going over 35 minutes each, after Milwaukee on Saturday (picked last in HL) there's a week off before UIC.
I said it in an earlier thread, but this team is starting to look like it has the swagger of the old Butler teams from the late 90s/early 2000s. Most of it, I think, is coming from Custer and Richardson-- they seem like they're steeped in the hard work, fundamentals, competitiveness, and relentlessness that some athletes with more exceptional abilities either take for granted or try to improvise. Our next opponent's coach, LaVall Jordan, might recognize some of those old Butler tactics when he shows up on Saturday.
The student sections aren't really shown in the camera angle, but they're more than 50% full and the only noise you hear on the broadcasts. It's the dwindling alumni base and locals dropping out of the habit of attending games that really impact the attendance numbers. If the non-student fan numbers TRIPLED from what they were tonight, it would still look empty.