When the temperatures dipped below zero this past weekend, Bearcats found themselves looking for indoor entertainment. It was dangerous to go far Downtown, and students stayed close to their dorm rooms. While there may not have been much to do last weekend, the next two Saturdays provide more options as temperatures stay chilly: support the Binghamton basketball team in its final two home games on February 20 and 27.
In the team’s most recent home game against Albany, the students and community alike “Packed the House” as ESPN3 visited the Events Center to broadcast the game. Over 4,900 people — a season high — crammed into the arena. Between the BU Zoo, Kickline, the cheer team and the game, there is plenty to see. Binghamton played closer against Albany, the three-time defending champions, than they have in recent memory. We should build on this environment in the Events Center and continue to pack the house, even without a promotion.
While there are more students at games than four years ago, when the team was terrible, there is still room for growth. The Events Center is one of the best venues in the entire America East, and students should take advantage of having a Division I basketball team on campus. Only 351 colleges and universities in the entire country are provided this opportunity. And let’s not forget to mention the fact that games are free for all students.
The men’s basketball team has been pretty bad for a while, and this season the team currently has a 6-19 record — mediocre at best. But, there are signs that the program is on the upswing and the team is exciting to watch. Binghamton currently sits in seventh of the conference standings and with a few more wins could jump up to sixth or maybe even fifth. The Bearcats also have sophomore forward Willie Rodriguez, a member of the America East All-Rookie team last season, who dominates games. In the Bearcats’ most recent game, he scored 27 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, leading the team to victory. He could become the conference’s player of the year by the time he graduates and he alone is worth going to the Events Center to see.
We have two men’s basketball games left this semester, this Saturday against UMass Lowell and the following one against Maine. Both could end in victories for Binghamton as the Bearcats have already beaten UMass Lowell earlier this year and Maine is just one spot ahead of Binghamton in the standings. If victorious, we will have the most wins in a season since 2010-11. This is the best version of Binghamton basketball most of us have seen.
Be a part of the these wins — attend a basketball game on these cold days.