In honor of the Kennesaw State men’s basketball team’s first NCAA tournament appearance, the university hosted a viewing party for their Division I tournament game against Xavier University on Friday.
Although the game was played at the Greensboro Coliseum in North Carolina, KSU’s Convocation Center hosted the party.
The doors were open to all students, parents, faculty and supporters of the KSU community to watch the historic moment for the school on the big screen in the arena.
“Owls” fans enjoyed gifts during the breaks of the match. Competitions included a three-point contest, three rounds of Know-the-Song, a Kennesaw State quiz, Connect 4 and a 45-second basketball skills game.
Prizes ranged from free KSU T-shirts to a basketball autographed by men’s basketball coach Amir Abdur-Rahim.
Friday marked the Owl’s first men’s basketball tournament since entering NCAA Division I in 2005, and fans were thrilled to witness the excitement.
“I’m really proud of us,” KSU freshman Joey Van Sickle said. “I think we came from almost nothing, so that’s a big statement for the school and for the team.”
Fans erupted in cheers, ringing KSU-branded cowbells throughout the arena during special moments of the game. The crowd went absolutely wild when senior guard Terrell Burden tripped a Xavier player before getting the two-pointer.
Precious Anyakudo, a Kennesaw sophomore, said the moment showed the level of fan support that will be a driving force for the team moving forward.
“Support is very important,” she said. “I think a lot of the success comes from the fans supporting the team.”
In the end, Kennesaw lost to Xavier 72-67, but fans like Anyakudos are proud of the team’s hard work throughout the season.
“In spite of everything, you made history. Keep doing what you’re doing and we’re really proud of you,” she said.