Columbia, Missouri — It was so quiet I could hear Bill Fennelly talk.
It was only once or twice, but to hear the Cyclones’ coach’s voice at all is a minor miracle after his cancer treatments, let alone in a game. But when the entire audience (1208) could fit comfortably in a Class 2A gym, sound carries pretty far in Mizzou Arena.
I arrived about 45 minutes before the game and parked next to an SUV with Audubon County plates. Only after I followed the vehicle’s occupants into the building and NOT to the general public ticket window did it dawn on me that I had just walked behind Hallie Christofferson’s parents.
The early arrival was unnecessary seat-wise, but it provided ample opportunity to see the arena. Less than a week ago the place had been rocking as the Missouri men beat Kansas.
See those fans in red at left? I would join them. See those fans in yellow? No, those are seats.
Most of the seating is in the first level, reached by long down stairways. There was one open concession stand — not one per level, not one per side, one period. A $5 general-admission ticket was open to any seat above the 13th row, and even lower after tipoff.
The Cyclones waited a few minutes to take off, but then they got it together. Good defense kept the Tigers under 10 points for a long time. At halftime, the Cyclones were up 17, and I was hoping they’d keep their foot on the gas.
It wasn’t quite to be. ISU sputtered repeatedly, unable to break presses quickly or get a good offense running. ISU only made one two-point shot in the entire second half, but Lauren Mansfield tried to make up for it with three three-pointers (six overall!).
Mansfield for three!
It wasn’t the best, but it would be enough. ISU still has a losing conference record, but Missouri remains winless in the Big 12.
I suspect Robin Pingeton will get her walking papers. The AD will say something along the lines of “needing a fresh start” for SEC play, and that will be that. But with the notable and obvious exception of Tennessee and to a lesser extent Kentucky and Texas A&M, empty arenas will be the rule. It’s about the only thing Missouri better matches up with the SEC than the Big 12 (4 in the top 10, led by ISU).
It takes a visit to a place like this to appreciate what a special thing ISU and Fennelly have going.
Earlier in the day, I spent time immersed in Missouri’s history, learning more about its deep divisions in the Civil War. When this academic year ends, 150 years later, the South will finally claim the Gateway to the West.
UPDATE: The Columbia Missourian is trying to look on the bright side of life. Also, a photo gallery. KOMU report here.