One other reason UB got a lot of support for those two seasons was because they were in the discussion for an at large bid. In fact, Joe Lunardi and many other bracketologists had them making it. That was very crucial in why fans went to the games. Even though they played in the MAC, people thought they were watching a big-time team that had potential to possibly make the NCAA tournament and maybe make it to the second round.
They finished that year with an rpi in the high 20's.
Also, I disagree with Alumni Arena not being nice. I like the arena. I think its nice inside and has nice seating. Its a little confusing the first time your their but I like the layout.
If they ever packed that place, it could be very loud. just my opinion.
I agree here mostly. I think 20s is a big high. Sounded awfully high and looking back, it seems Buffalo was in the 40s in most RPI listings that year. Still very good and leaves a team with some hope of an at-large. The Bulls were good for that time and it was good they had some fans.
I've never been to Alumni Arena, but it likes nicer than most MAC facilities on TV. Of course, that's not a good way to tell. I have been to UB Stadium for football. It was actually the game the Bulls ended their long losing streak by beating the Bobcats. It was a chilly, rainy day between two bad teams, so attendance was next to nothing. But it seemed like a nice facility.
It's too bad fans don't rally around the Bulls better, but it's understandable. Unless pro sports teams leave Buffalo, they'll never be supported that much. If Buffalo's population continues to decrease like it has, that could be a possibility down the road. But it's basically like Cleveland State. They don't get much of a following in Cleveland unless they're really good like the last few years, and even then, they average just over 3,000 per game.