Trying to take a non-sports fan to a basketball game

by Shawn Anzalone

My roommate Tony and I entered the Fieldhouse Saturday afternoon and grabbed a seat in the far right bleachers  for the “Rocky’s birthday” themed men’s basketball game. Tony doesn’t watch much sports, especially basketball, so I thought his thoughts on the game would be interesting.

“ I guess you couldn’t have asked for a better start,” said Tony. The Ravens began the game with a corner three that turned into a 12-2 run. But Saint Michaels pulled back into the game. Right before halftime the Ravens held just a three point lead and the crowd noise was escalating as there looked to be a close finish at the final buzzer.

I was a little surprised at the lack of questions Tony had asked, but he insisted,“ It’s an easy game to pick up on.” That was until Tony was confused by an offensive Saint Michaels’ foul on number three in the second half  “I don’t get it, he’s just trying to score. How is that a foul?” I had to explain what a charge was but he seemed like he had more of a rooting interest after learning a little more about the game.

With 15 minutes to go the only player Tony knew because of the “Faloooo Sandwich”  Falu Seck the ravens leading scorer drilled a three, his only one of the half. “That was crazy, he’s going off” Tony shouted to me over the raucous “let’s go ravens” chant that was rocking the Fieldhouse.

By the four minute mark the Ravens had a ten point lead and I had had enough of hearing “ These bleachers are the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever sat on” from Tony so we decided to head out of the sweltering hot Fieldhouse. The Ravens closed out the game winning 87-74 and Falu really did “go off” as Tony said for 28 points a career high.