The top 10 reasons to watch Kent State host WCU on ESPNU

Over the past seven seasons, the Kent State men’s basketball team has posted a 5-2 record on ESPNU’s BracketBuster games.

Tomorrow, the Flashes will look to win their fifth-straight and sixth overall game in the annual series as they take on Western Carolina at 8 p.m. in the M.A.C. Center on ESPNU.

The Flashes (19-8, 10-3 Mid-American Conference) enter the game in a first place tie with Akron in the MAC.

In its most recent BracketBuster games, Kent State defeated Morehead State 79-76 in 2009, while Kent State topped then No. 20 Saint Mary’s, 65-57 in 2008.

Since the game isn’t against a MAC team and Western Carolina doesn’t have nationally known players, the game might not seem too important to fans.

But there is meaning in this year’s BracketBuster.

10 reasons why to watch the BracketBuster against Western Carolina

1. Kent State is tying to win its 20th game. Last season the Flashes were unable to attain that mark. It was the first time in 10 years that a men’s basketball team didn’t reach that milestone.

2. Both Kent State and Western Carolina have a 19-8 record. Both teams are nearly identical as they spread the scoring around with multiple players averaging in double digits.

3. The combination of a powerful dunk from senior guard Anthony Simpson, and a three-pointer from one of the guards won’t leave any fan unhappy.

4. Every time a game is televised on a major sports network the crowd gets into the game with much more passion compared to a normal match. This will provide excitement for every fan.

5. There’s only two home games left, and this is one of them. If you don’t show up to this game you might not see the beloved Ray Campbell until next season.

6. It’s not curling.

7. The game is only 40 minutes, and will take about two hours of your time. That gets you out of the M.A.C. Center by 10 p.m. so you can do whatever you want for your night.

8. The Flashes have won every home ESPNU televised game this season. (It’s only one game, but it counts).

9. Free Howie Bread and $2.00 off a large pizza with your ticket.

10. This is the last home game that will be nationally televised. You’ll get to dress in as much gold as you want and be as crazy as you want, with good odds of being on national television in the small M.A.C. Center. Plus the energy of a large crowd is always a nice before you start your Saturday night.

Contact sports reporter Cody Erbacher at [email protected].