The largest crowd in three years witnessed Middle Tennessee battle Minnesota in a 78-72 decision for a bid to the NIT Final Four in New York City. 10,521 saw the Raiders season come to a close at 27-7, marking the best year in school history. One of the most tremendous home court advantages was a factor in keeping the Blue Raiders close through most of the game. At the end of the game, the crowd noise was so loud the stationary cameras on the top of the baskets were shaking. What an atmosphere and what an arena. I can't wait for next year! I hope we have crowds like that all year. Go Blue Raiders, Go Sun Belt Conference... and basketball: until next year.

(The crowd is seen below in my signature image.)

the Alliance could be great for MTSU if they get invited...UAB, Southern Miss, Tulsa would all be good draws...plus playing schools like UNLV or New Mexico.

MTSU has picked a good time to get good at hoops.

(03-22-2012 05:30 PM)UofMemphis Wrote:  the Alliance could be great for MTSU if they get invited...UAB, Southern Miss, Tulsa would all be good draws...plus playing schools like UNLV or New Mexico.

MTSU has picked a good time to get good at hoops.

Agreed. I believe we are playing a home game against UAB next year, so that should be a nice crowd. The Alliance would be a lot better for MT basketball than the Sun Belt is right now... because playing teams like FAU or ULM won't bring the same crowds playing UAB, USM, and UNM regularly would. If the Raiders would somehow accept an Alliance invitation, continuing to schedule WKU would be a boost; keeping that rivalry is important. If not, Sun Belt basketball is, IMO, (slowly) on the rise...

GO (b-ball) STATE! Way to rep the Sun Belt, guys!

Crowd looked great on TV. Wish you guys could have gotten the win to go with it. MN just killed you guys on the boards, they were typical Big 12 team. BIG.

(03-22-2012 06:41 PM)Hilltopper2K Wrote:  Crowd looked great on TV. Wish you guys could have gotten the win to go with it. MN just killed you guys on the boards, they were typical Big 12 team. BIG.

Yup, that's how they win games... They outplayed us inside and our turnovers definitely hurt us more than anything. Hustle plays often resulted in giveaways... didn't need that.