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The atmosphere inside Northwestern University’s Welsh-Ryan Arena was electric Sunday afternoon as fans of all ages celebrated the men’s basketball team drawing a No. 7 seed for its second NCAA Tournament appearance.
The team, which last advanced to the tournament in 2017, will face off against Boise State — which drew seed No. 10 — in Sacramento, California, on Thursday. Northwestern senior Andrew Young bought a refundable plane ticket for spring break this week and is planning on switching it to go to the game in person.
“The way they had tough years in the past, and the way they stuck together and stuck with the coach, it’s just so awesome. I’m happy for them. And to have that as a senior, it’s really special,” Young told the Tribune.
[ Column: NCAA Tournament brings a fresh start for No. 7 seed Northwestern and No. 9 seed Illinois ]
Shortly after the doors to the arena opened about 2:30 p.m., fans trickled in, their purple gear blending in with the stands and the seats. The occasional sounds of trumpets, clarinets and saxophones from the university band filled the air.
The crowd intently watched the big screens for the televised game between Purdue and Penn State, against which Northwestern lost the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals Friday.
Junior Vir Patel, sporting heart-shaped purple sunglasses, said the loss hurt, but the team gave fans hope and magic.
“They did what they do best: They worked hard on defense, and they played hard,” he said. “And that’s what we love about this team, is that they never quit. They never quit on us … Let’s hope today is good and let’s hope they keep their heads up in March, cause we still got a long way ahead of us.”
As they waited and ate some Raising Cane’s chicken fingers, juniors Sarah Fazio and Katherine Chen reflected on the Wildcats’ loss to the Nittany Lions — a game they attended at the United Center.
“I don’t think it makes me nervous for March Madness, I would say, but it was definitely a good learning opportunity,” Fazio said. “I think we were struggling a little bit on the offensive side, but we were making a lot of really good defensive plays.”
Chen said it she also didn’t feel too worried. “We’re really excited to be here at Welsh-Ryan and cheer on the ‘Cats, and I have a lot of faith in our team, that we’ll do well this year,” she said. “It’s been a really rewarding season … It’s been so exciting to see the whole school and the whole team be so excited for the postseason.”
Closer to the Selection Sunday announcements, Billy McKinney — former Wildcat and NBA player, and current mayor of Zion — picked up a microphone to thank everyone who has ever worn a Northwestern basketball jersey and the way they have represented the university.
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“We know that the best is yet to come,” he added, earning cheers from the crowd.
The coaching staff, the players and coach Chris Collins came out onto the court, welcomed by strobe lights, smoke and thunderous applause.
“What a great day to be a Wildcat,” Collins said.
It was a grueling wait with fans on the edge of their seats, listening intently to the men’s NCAA bracket announcements. The crowd erupted in cheers, white and purple confetti falling down on them, as the screens noted Northwestern drew the No. 7 seed and would play against No. 10 Boise State on Thursday.
“It’s awesome seeing everyone come out; I’m so excited. It’s amazing. I’m looking forward to watching the game,” senior Lissa Healy said. “I remember freshman year, coming to these games, and no one would show up; it was always pretty empty. It’s amazing to see how it totally flipped, and all the support for the team.”
The basketball team huddled on the court, sharing hugs and fist bumps. “Cali, here we come baby!” Collins yelled.
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