Tom Dienhart, BTN.com Senior Writer, February 14, 2014
There is no greater asset to a team than a good homecourt advantage. And, there are several intimidating venues in the Big Ten. I polled seven writers who cover the league and asked them what they thought was the most intimidating Big Ten arena.
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Mark Snyder, Detroit Free Press:
Breslin Center. It may be slanted because I'm there for Michigan games. But with the Izzone surrounding the court, it gets nasty.
Brad Sturdy, OrangeandBlueNews.com:
It?s Michigan State when it has its White Out at the Breslin Center. Loud and crazy fans. The visual is awesome, too.
Marcus Fuller, St. Paul Pioneer Press:
Michigan State. It's almost like the fans treat every game like they're playing for a Big Ten title. The fans get rowdy from the opening tip.
Steve Helwagen, Bucknuts.com:
Today it's the Breslin Center. Kids are right on top of you. And when they get going, it is LOUD. They are really into the game. All-time homecourt advantage in the B1G, it's Assembly Hall when Knight was there. So much passion, so many blue hairs in red sweaters yelling "he's travelin'" When a call goes against Indiana at Assembly Hall, it sounds like 17,000 people just got stabbed in the side "OOOOOOOHHHH!"
Chris Solari, Lansing State Journal:
Minnesota's Williams Arena. The elevated floor alone is a challenge; Gophers' fans for years have made it a deafening din for opponents.
Marc Morehouse, Cedar Rapids Gazette:
The Kohl Center. The student section does its homework and generally is pretty funny.
Dan Hoppen, HuskerOnline.com:
My vote would probably go for Michigan State.
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About Tom Dienhart | BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart is a veteran sports journalist who covers Big Ten football and men's basketball for BTN.com and BTN TV. Find him on Twitter and Facebook, read all of his work at btn.com/tomdienhart, and subscribe to his posts via RSS. Also, send questions to his weekly mailbag using the form below and read all of his previous answers in his reader mailbag section. |
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