At Media Day on Wednesday, all players on the Binghamton University women’s basketball team expressed the same very real goal: an America East Championship. Tonight will be the first chance for BU students to see this team as they embark on that goal.

For the Bearcats, the return of Late Nite Madness means a chance for the team to show that they are one of the elite teams in the AE.

The team, which averaged 2,028 fans at home games last season compared with 3,206 fans at men’s games, will get to showcase their abilities on the same stage as the men’s team and show the fans there to see the men that they can play as well.

‘I’m happy they brought the Late Nite Madness back,’ said senior center Juta Jahilo. ‘I feel like we get more students this way. Last year was OK, but I feel like there wasn’t a lot of students. Students want more action.’

Last year’s replacement, the inaugural ‘Hoop Fest,’ featured a green versus white scrimmage and a Junior Bearcat clinic. The event, which was on Saturday morning rather than Friday night, seemed more catered toward Junior Bearcats and community members.

Having it on Friday night creates the atmosphere of madness and makes it ideal for student involvement. The last time Late Nite Madness was on campus, 1,500 students were on hand. That is 1,500 students who can see the women’s team in action who may not have otherwise.

‘It’s a good way to get everyone excited for the season,’ said sophomore point guard Muffy Sadler.

While the men are taking to the air and showing their skills with a dunk contest, the women’s team will be having a 3-point shooting contest. The competition should be fierce as most Bearcats expressed that anyone could win the event.

‘I don’t know if we have a favorite,’ Sadler said. ‘I think there’s potential for any of us to win.’

If there is a favorite, it would have to be sophomore guard Erica Carter.

‘That actually puts a lot of pressure on me,’ Carter said, laughing when informed that one of her teammates had picked her as a favorite.

Carter is known for her sweet touch on her shots and was 24-for-68 from downtown last season.

As far as challenging her, expect fellow guards Sadler, Laura Sario and Lauren Regan to compete, and two players who may surprise you ‘ centers Laine Kurpniece and Erin Owens.

‘I think Laine or Erin will do good,’ Carter said. ‘Because they’re post players you may not expect it, but I think they can surprise people.’

Owens was 2-for-2 on 3-pointers last season, while Kurpniece connected on one out of seven.

One person who doesn’t expect to contend is senior forward Brianna Thompson.

‘Not me,’ she said when asked who the favorites were. ‘Two shoulder surgeries, I don’t think so.’

Doors open at 8:30 p.m. at the Events Center, with the first 700 students receiving free T-shirts.