Worthen Arena saw its first big men's basketball game Wednesday night against the No. 23 Butler University Bulldogs. Despite being a Ball State University team that many expect to be much improved from last season and a nationally ranked Butler team, the most impressive showing of the night was from the student section.
Students showed up; Ball State's offense didn't.
The Nest was packed all the way to the top row as 6,996 total fans filled Worthen for the less-than-exciting game whose 59-38 score more resembled a football shoot-out than a basketball game. Ball State only scored 38 points, the fewest since 1946. Butler's offense was either exposed by Ball State's defense or it played down to a lesser team — probably the latter.
The basketball team and the athletics department called on the students to show their support at the game for a "red-out" and they responded. The student section was into the game and tried to will the team to play with Butler. Students did their part and the team did not reciprocate, leaving them disappointed as they filed out of the arena after the game.
The athletics department completed step one. Step two is getting a team that can compete with its in-state rivals and subsequently other NCAA Tournament-caliber teams. That will come with time. The program has improved every year with Billy Taylor as its head coach.
But this shouldn't deter students from going to the rest of the games this season. Ball State isn't among basketball's elite or even tough teams. But it is good enough to, at least, be competitive and play close games the rest of its home schedule. The conference season should be exciting and tough. The team should compete well in the Mid-American Conference and has the talent to repeat as MAC West Division champions. The Cardinals will need support from the Nest at all those games.
Students will fill the Nest again this season, probably several times. But the team needs to give them a better show than 38 points.
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