Late Nite Madness, a free event for students which showcases Binghamton University’s men’s and women’s basketball teams in their first official practices of the season, is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 19 at the Events Center, according to Student Association President Matt Landau.
Madness, which is co-hosted by the BU athletics department, Student Association, Campus Life and Alumni Association, might be expanded this year from 90 minutes to two hours.
“Last year it was a big thing, so we’re trying to keep it that way,” Landau said.
It hasn’t been determined what time the event will kick off, but 8 p.m. or 10 p.m. is likely. Contests, raffles and performances from the Bearcats spirit squads and pep band lead up to the introduction of BU’s Division I teams.
The men’s team competed in a slam dunk contest and the women’s team in a 3-point shooting contest last year, highlighting the night.
Madness, a popular event among students, was not held two years ago, replaced by an event called Hoop Fest, which was geared toward the BU community at large and younger fans.
Late Nite Madness is the only time fans will have the opportunity to see the teams in action before their home openers. Men’s basketball begins its season at the Events Center on Friday, Nov. 14th, at 7 p.m. as they play former America East team Northeastern. The season opener for women’s basketball also starts Nov. 14 on Friday at 5 p.m. at St. Bonnaventure. Binghamton has its first home game of the season against Portland State on Friday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m.
Men’s Basketball ended the 2007-08 season with a 13-15 record under head coach Kevin Broadus and won its home opener, 88-75 against Quinnipiac last season. Broadus’ squad comes back this season with seven returning and seven new players.
The 2007-08 season for women’s basketball ended with a 11-19 record with former coach Rich Conover at the helm. In their first home game last season, the Bearcats lost against Bucknell 55-59. Nicole Scholl takes over the team as head coach and brings with her eight returning and six new players.
Pick up the coming issues of Pipe Dream for a finalized date and time for Late Nite Madness.