For the first time this year, the Events Center was loud, the music was playing, the lights were dimmed for introductions, and Ludacris was not involved in any way.
Late Nite Madness kicked off the 2005-06 basketball season for both the men’s and women’s teams last Friday. With redesigned BU Zoo shirts distributed to the first 500 people in attendance, and free hot dogs, popcorn and soda, a fun time was had by most.
“I thought it was really good,” said freshman Katie Hartin. “I got to go on the court, and even though I lost my contest then fell down, it was really fun.”
The night was highlighted by performances from the BU Spirit Squads, on-court contests and prize giveaways that included a meal plan from Sodexho and an iPod Nano.
Senior guard Andre Heard was enthused by the event, especially by the approximately 1,500 fans who came out to support the team.
“We got a lot of fans out here, they got a lot of energy,” he said. “I think we’re going to have a good time out here this season.”
Senior forward Jen Haubrich was also pleased with the turnout, and hopes for more of the same during the season.
“It’s a great event to kick off the season, having both the basketball teams here,” Haubrich said. “I thought it was a great turnout. It’s just exciting to come out and get the students involved, make them interested. Hopefully they’ll come out to watch the games this year.”
There was also time for comic relief. When some contests were repeated several times because of student participants’ inability to hit a basket, emcee Dave Simek tried to motivate the crowd by politely asking, “Can anybody hit a freaking free throw?”
There was also a mock game featuring the men’s basketball team playing the rest of the conference, with students playing the roles of players from other America East teams. Embarrassment was avoided as BU won 20-2.
Hopefully the basketball teams will show more of the same results for the rest of the season.
First exhibition games:
Men: home vs Mansfield – Friday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m.
Women: home vs Le Moyne – Monday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.