WKU Basketball Opinion: Why Diddle Arena Should be Sold Out Wednesday
Western Kentucky Basketball has exceeded expectations in just about every way. It's time to reward them with an incredible atmosphere in a big time game Wednesday night in Diddle.
That Middle game was a bummer. Ok got that out of the way and we acknowledge that.
Now…
We also know this team has had an incredible season. Given the weakness of the non-conference schedule, we thought WKU could have a winning record, but I challenge anyone reading this to show me proof that anyone had WKU going 11-3 against its non-conference schedule? Please do if you have it. I know of no one.
Then, WKU has exceeded expectations within Conference USA, putting itself in a tight three horse race for first or (probably) second between Sam Houston State, La Tech, and the Hilltoppers.
Speaking of the race, could there be a more pivotal game than a game against one of the two teams the Tops are fighting against for very important conference positioning?
After all of this season, this comes down to a crucial matchup against the conference’s overall best team in Diddle Arena.
Why is it That Crucial, Given that WKU Lost to Middle?
Ok the elephant in the room…
WKU lost to Middle. Yes that was a frustrating blow, and WKU needed to keep pace with La Tech at minimum to stay completely on track for the two seed if nothing else.
However, all WKU needs to do is beat La Tech, win out, and have La Tech lose to Sam Houston or MTSU.
The first (massive) step in that direction is beating La Tech. That then puts the pressure on them to execute in the biggest moment of the season against Sam Houston. If they don’t, WKU can catch them.
Conference USA Tournament Seeding
If WKU can squeeze out a two seed (By the way, a 1 seed is still technically possible!), Western will have a massive advantage over the 3, 4, 5, and 6 seeds, getting a rest day while those four teams play each other the next day. It is incredibly huge if WKU could just find a way. But it starts by beating La Tech.
Pack Diddle
Ultimately, the excuses need to stop. I understand there’s church and other stuff. Fine. This is not a guilt trip for those that can’t make it. But if you’re out there and you’ll be at home watching, or this game isn’t even on your radar to attend and you’re currently reading this, why should you go?
I’ll tell you why.
Five Reasons to Go Wednesday
They Deserve It! If you’re a WKU fan, you’re delusionally upset about something silly or you’re thrilled with how this season has gone so far. Don’t let the loss against Middle (where the Tops played their guts out) affect your decision to come to the most important game of the year.
Big Time Matchup that Matters: If you enjoy good competition, good basketball, a good atmosphere, and you want a game that will probably go down to the wire and be one of the better games you’ve seen in a while, this matchup screams equality and a really good game that means something!
$10$5 Tickets: WKU is trying to sell this thing out. They have a promotion for$10$5 general admission tickets, so there’s really no excuse on the pricing of the game.WKU Basketball is going places. Whether WKU makes the NCAA Tournament this year or not (it could hinge on this very game), Head Coach Steve Lutz has done just about everything right he possibly could this season, and there are few signs of anything at all negative within the WKU Basketball program. It’s time to give our full support, buy in, and rock Diddle.
Do you bleed red or not? CUT ME! Do I not bleed red? For those hibernating WKU fans, it’s time to come back. Maybe you haven’t been because you’ve been annoyed with something. Maybe you haven’t been because Western hasn’t been actually good in a while. Maybe you used to have season tickets. Well, guess what? You’ve gotta pay a subscription to watch it, or you’ve gotta pay a small fee to get in the game! It’s going to be an incredible atmosphere.
We have already been having a good time in Diddle Arena this year. It’s been fun, and the crowd has been good. But it’s time for everybody to show up. It’s time to students to pack the end zone, and it’s time for the alumni and greater Bowling Green and the WKU community to support the Tops.
They’ve rightfully asked for a sellout. Steve Lutz said he would be “disappointed if it’s not sold out Wednesday”. Well, let’s not disappoint the man! He’s given us hope in a year there shouldn’t have been legitimate hope.
If you’re a WKU fan, are you SICK of ELEVEN years without an NCAA Tournament? This is your LAST CHANCE to impact this season and springboard the Toppers off for a road trip and conference tournament.
This is it!
If you meant to get to a game and just haven’t, or you’ve maybe had a chance at tickets and it just didn’t work out, now is your last chance to see what could end up being a team that we remember forever at WKU.
Do you really want to miss that? Do you really want to look back say, “I had the chance to go see WKU play in the last game of that 2024 season when they made the tournament and beat Kentucky but I had to work the next morning” or “Oh they ended up getting the two seed?” or “Oh that was a buzzer beater?”
Don’t miss out.
Fill Diddle.
Pack Diddle.
Heck, let’s go Build-a-Bear/Thanksgiving (take your pick) and STUFF DIDDLE.
Standing room only.
Let’s get it done Wednesday, Tops.