Even before the game began, students gathered in the The Hub at the Student Center, excited about tonight’s men’s basketball game. The game — which features Kent State against the University of California, Los Angeles, is part of the first round of March Madness.

The watch party was an opportunity for students on campus to easily view the game with others. Around 200 people watched the game here with many other similar events going on around the city.

This is the first time since 2008 that the Kent State’s men’s basketball team has made it to the NCAA tournament.

Students have a variety of expectations for the game tonight, some low and some high, but no matter the result they are just excited to watch Kent State be a part of such a big event.

“From the practices I’ve watched this past week, the boys seem really energized, I can’t wait to see them play and win tonight,” said Bryan Bidwell, a senior public health major.

While many students are hopeful for the team, others have a more negative expectation for tonight, and don’t think they’ll be able to win. 

“I don’t expect Kent to win, but I’m looking forward to seeing them out on the court trying their hardest,” said Tommy Fisher, a sophomore zoology major.

Whether Kent State wins or loses tonight, students are just excited to be watching the team play and experience the hype with their friends and other students.

“I’m happy just being a part of this, even if Kent only gets one point I’ll be happy cheering on the team with my friends,” said Aaron Brown, a senior business management major.

Being a part of an event like March Madness is new and exciting for students and has drawn all kinds of students to watch the game.

“It’s amazing to have such a great team and cheer on the team,” Kelsey Huff said, a sophomore speech pathology and audiology major. “I love being able to see how far we’ve come through the season.”

Students continued to find seats in the Hub even after the game started, taking pictures with each other and picking up T-shirts to commemorate this event.

After the jump ball students stood and cheered for Kent, hoping for the best. Whether the Flashes win.or lose, students are just happy for the experience and the opportunity to cheer on their school in March Madness.

“(Even if we lose) this will bring attention to our school and benefit the basketball team,” said Jessica Tuten, a sophomore early childhood education major.“It’s just super exciting to see our school out there.”

Addie Gall is the social sciences reporter, contact her at [email protected].