Big D...

Now this feels like a Division I basketball game. CSUB and Southern Methodist out of Conference USA lock it up this afternoon here in Dallas. This is the second game in the last three to be played in the afternoon. While most of the Runners games have been played in the evenings, there's something to be said about Saturday afternoon games having them being played at the same time as a lot of other big time college games throughout the country.
CSUB had a crowd of 2300 show up last Saturday at Rabobank Arena with Utah Valley in town and I think the experience was favorable for fans, putting the Runners on at the same time as games in the Big East, ACC and PAC 10. Gives it more of a 'real' college basketball feel.
Today's game in Dallas will be another test for CSUB, not only is the time a factor, but CSUB had just a one day turnaround from Thursday's loss at Northridge. So far the Runners have faired well in the afternoon, but not well on the road. They look to improve on their 1-11 road record this season and a nearly three-year out-of-state drought. They last won out of California in March of 2006 when the then Division II Runners won their first round game in the West Regional in Seattle.
Here's to hoping Texas-hospitality rubs off on CSUB and the team gets a couple ominous streaks snapped this afternoon.