NIT game gives Aggies one last hurrah at Spectrum
Fans had one last opportunity to see the Aggies play as Utah State hosted its first NIT game in seven years.
The preparation for hosting a tournament game began in February when the NIT sent out application packets to prospective participants, USU Athletics Director Rance Pugmire said.
Pugmire said the NIT chooses tournament sites based upon attendance and geography. Utah State was given an opening round home game because of the proximity to Montana State University and the Aggies’ attendance throughout the season, he said.
“The NIT doesn’t have a zillion-dollar CBS [television] contract and tries to maximize revenue and keep costs down while providing a quality experience for student athletes,” Pugmire said.
Utah State found out Sunday night it would be hosting an opening round NIT game.
“For us to be able to [host a game] is a credit to the program,” Pugmire said. “It is also a credit to the fans, especially the students, and I’m happy for them.”
Unlike regular season games when students can attend for free, USU
students were required to buy $4 tickets for the tournament game.
Pugmire said the NIT sets a price bracket and Utah State went as low as possible.
“If it were up to me, tickets would be free [to students],” Pugmire said.
Despite ticket costs and only having 36 hours notice before the game, 6,754 fans turned out.
USU had been hoping for a sellout, Pugmire said, but attendance was about what was expected.
“I’m pleased with the turnout, especially with the short turn around,” Pugmire said.
The additional home game not only gave fans an opportunity to see the team, but also gave players a last chance to play at home.
“That was definitely a lot of fun, coming back and playing one last game in front of our home crowd,” center Jeremy Vague said. “This is one of the biggest memories I’ll have as an Aggie, playing in front of this great crowd.”
After having senior night on Feb. 23, senior guard Tony Brown didn’t share Vague’s feelings.
“Senior night, you want that to be your last home game,” Brown said. “You don’t want to come back and play again. It’s hard to basically have two senior nights.”