This past weekend Oklahoma State’s Historic Gallagher – Iba Arena reached a new level of hype. Some might ask, what led to creating this magic in the air of a packed to the brim arena? Well the Oklahoma State Cowboys Men’s Basketball played West Virginia Mountaineer’s making this the Cowboy’s Big 12 Conference Opener. The timing of the game was prime as well playing on Dec. 30th; most people were still on holiday break, thus free to attend the game. Lastly with the pressure from Coach Underwood to fill the stadium, I think most wanted to see what the new coach had in store.

I attended the game and was blown away by the amount of people who poured into the arena. Being a basketball fanatic, I went to games last year where only a quarter of the arena had warm bodies creating a lack luster atmosphere. This game was different, a sold out stadium. Gallagher – Iba came to life, the air hummed with intensity throughout the game, chants were louder and lasted longer. The game was another level I had never seen or felt in the arena before.

While the Cowboy’s put up a fight the Mountaineer’s pulled out the win, ending the game with a 92 – 75 score. The Cowboy’s usually rely on a fast paced high scoring rhythm, but the Mountaineer’s gave us some trouble with their full court press defense. I was thoroughly impressed with the execution from West Virginia; I think any team in this year’s conference will struggle beating this defense strategy.

Although, our Cowboy’s didn’t win the game it was still the loudest and rowdiest crowd GIA has seen in some time. While I did sit in front of an elderly couple with their grandkids close to the court, the elderly gentleman was an alumnus who asked me if we were ready to get rowdy. I think students, alumni, and staff are ready to see and hear a bigger roar for the Oklahoma State Cowboys basketball program. While students are sometimes given a bad rap for leaving Boone Pickens during football games, I think the university should pressure students to attend games in GIA. Most current students haven’t experienced a thunderous and hype basketball game, and Gallagher – Iba can be one of the best arenas to get rowdy in. I really hope this season more students and fans will attend games, creating that same kind of atmosphere we felt during the West Virginia game.