The Rematch

For the past 318 days the Leatherneck Basketball players and coaches have thought of very little other than that heartbreaking 52-50 OT loss to South Dakota State in the Summit League Championship game.  That's a type of game that sticks with you.  One you never forget.  It stings you deep down.  It's a pain you have trouble putting into words.

The Leathernecks were devastated after that game.  Tonight in Western Hall they have a chance to exact a measure revenge.

While this game may not be for a trip to the National Tournament, it's a chance for the Leathernecks to show the Jackrabbits that this isn't 2012 anymore.  To show them that they're for real.  Tonight, along with the big game versus North Dakota State on Saturday, they can show the entire conference that this Leatherneck squad is a force to be dealt with.  A storm that isn't going to settle.

When the Jackrabbits enter Western Hall tonight they're going to enter an electric atmosphere that the arena hasn't seen for many, many years.  Maybe even ever.  The stands will be packed.  The crowd will be loud.  The environment is going to be something SDSU has likely never experienced inside Western Hall:  hostile.

I know for a fact that since I've been here there hasn't ever been this much hype about a Leatherneck home game.  The entire community is talking about it.

The Leathernecks have certainly earned that support.  They enter the game at 14-3 overall, 6-0 in conference play, tied for first in the conference, and riding a program record eleven game winning streak.

Over the next few days the Leathernecks have a chance to send a message to the rest of the conference.  To make a statement that simply says:  the Conference Tournament may be held in Sioux Falls, but the road to the top of the Summit goes through Western Illinois!

GO LEATHERNECKS!!!