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Friday, March 17, 2006
Early edition
Note: We will keep adding pregame notes to this post as the morning goes on, so check back often.

TICKET FRENZY: Tickets for today's games can be had, but bring your wallet. And make sure you have cash. Ticket brokers apparently don't take American Express, or any other credit cards.

That according to the scene at the concierge desk at the Renaissance Hotel this morning, where the concierge on duty reported tickets were going at steep prices. A guy in line just ahead of us when we stopped for a local paper was shelling out around $250 per seat, per session, for four in the lower bowl of the American Airlines Center.

LUCKY DAY?: Just a thought -- would you bet against an Irish lad named Patrick on March 17?

SOUNDBITES: Our friends over at Basketball U. have uploaded yesterday's Bucknell press conferences in mp3 format. To listen, point your browser to:
  • Charles Lee, Kevin Bettencourt, Chris McNaughton press conference
  • Pat Flannery press conference

    ORANGE REPRESENTS: A healthy number of orange clad Bucknell fans in the building, but they will be far out-numbered by Arkansas red shirts.

    A very unscientific survey during a quick lap around the plaza level concourse showed about 10 red shirts for every orange. That margin gets wider when you subtract the Texas fans who have come out for the first of today's two sessions.

    WEARING OF THE ORANGE: Since last year's NCAA Tournament, Bucknell has not worn the orange uniforms often, opting for the traditional blues on the road most of the season.

    But it looks as if the orange unis have been pulled out for this one.

    Another win and the orange might become the subject of folklore, like Notre Dame's green football jerseys.

    MUSICAL INTERLUDES: No stories this year about rented pep bands to add to Bucknell's underdog image. The Bison pep band is here in full force -- about 25 musicians.

    In other spirit news, Bucky Bison will be played by marketing and promotions intern Ryan Burd, the guy usually seen running the timeout contests in Sjoka Pavilion and throwing T-shirts and other trinkets to the fans.

    Burd reports Bucky's jersey has been repaired, so the long tear in the back needed to fit it over the top of the costume will not be as obvious.

    Bison cheerleaders also on hand. Some schools split their allotted spirit squad numbers between dance teams and cheerleaders, but Bucknell has sent cheerleaders only. That, by the way, is a smart move.
    • Published at 10:18 AM by Hoop Time.
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