Throughout the ups and downs of the Ball State basketball season thus far, there has been one thing that has remained consistent throughout - home-crowd support.
That is, except the support for one player.
Nearly every time senior reserve point guard Billy Lynch checks into the game, a low "boo" filters through the crowd and down onto the court.
Wednesday night, against Central Michigan, Lynch put that "boo" to the test, putting up a career-high 12 points. Lynch also added to the game with five rebounds, three assists and two steals.
According to the senior, the booing has just become part of the game.
"I can't worry about it," Lynch said. "It's my job to go out there and play and it's the fans' job to come out and cheer.
"It was a little more difficult last year but I'm pretty much used to it now. It's kind of become a comedy among the team," Lynch said. "Once I get in and start playing I don't even hear it."
The booing is heard by more than just Lynch's ears, however. Teammate Petie Jackson hopes that the solid performance by the senior will quiet the boos.
"The crowd is such a boost for us and gives us support," Jackson said. "But Billy is one of our teammates and when he comes in and everyone starts booing, it doesn't just affect him, it affects all of us because we are a family.
"I hope people can really look inside themselves and see that the kid gives everything he has out there and really helps us win."
Jackson went on to explain why he thinks Lynch deserves more respect.
"Billy is a big help," Jackson said. "When you have a senior veteran guard who has been through the wars and knows what the Mid-American Conference is all about, it's just a big plus.
"Last year he really didn't shoot the ball that much, so teams are scouting him like that," Jackson said. "He has really improved his shot to be able to make that open shot now. Our big thing is when we get in the lane and it's really congested, then Billy is going to make the open shot."
Even though Lynch admitted it was a nice feeling when everyone was cheering for him at the conclusion of Wednesday's game, he still explained that "fans are fans."
"They will be happy when things are going well and they won't be happy when things aren't going well," Lynch said.
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