7:15 pm
After taking the 10-minute drive from the Hampton Inn in Norwich, Connecticut (an inn that is sandwiched in-between the Connecticut Turnpike and the Maplewood Cemetery) to the Mohegan Sun casino and resort, my broadcasting partner Wilnir Louis and I finally park the car on the fourth floor of the parking garage. We walk through the casino to get to the arena that the tournament was being played in, with broadcasting equipment in tow. The fact that we are carrying a large broadcasting system and headphones garners looks from security and curious gamblers alike.
7:42 pm
After meandering our way through the casino, Wilnir and I found our way to the broadcast table. We were placed in an isolated area of the mezzanine level of seats, Section 15 of the Mohegan Sun Arena. The media room is stocked with the typical tournament fare: bags of chips, boxes of premade sandwiches, and Diet Coke in the fridge. The only thing missing is the buzz that typically occupies the atmosphere of the media room, the magical feeling that usually is provided by the fans desperate to see their team win the tournament and have a shot at the NCAA Tournament. Action from the third game of the day, Marquette and Providence, is still happening. Marquette is on top of the Friars 63-35 as Wilnir and I go through the motions of mic checks. We wait for the tipoff of the game between the #3 seeded Seton Hall Pirates and #6 seeded Creighton Bluejays.
We're minutes away. LET'S GO… pic.twitter.com/mmZtKKQjXf
— Seton Hall Women’s Basketball (@SHUWBB) March 7, 2021
8:55 pm
The lineup introductions begin, and the hype videos roll onto the screen. Videos play for both teams, to an in-person crowd of maybe 50 people. The crowd is made up of friends and family of the teams about to hit the court, as well as tournament officials and employees of the arena. After they concluded the most normal part of the tournament, the actual game of basketball, began. A hot start from Desiree Elmore helps to pilot the Pirates to a 40-32 lead at the half. During halftime, 70’s music blares through the speakers for entertainment. It fills the air, and makes the crowd anxious to get back into the action.
Seton Hall falls to Creighton, 83-76, in the BIG EAST Tournament quarterfinals.
Desiree Elmore finished with 22 points, six rebounds and six assists. Both Andra Espinoza-Hunter and Lauren Park-Lane had 19 points apiece.#HALLin
— Seton Hall Women’s Basketball (@SHUWBB) March 7, 2021
10:44 pm
At this point, Creighton has staged a comeback supercharged by a 23-13 third quarter to complete the upset over the Pirates. As both teams walk off the court, the feeling of tournament dreams being thrown into the unknown on one side of the floor is mirrored by a squad that has rallied to find momentum at the perfect time. A march tale as old as time. Wilnir and I pack the car, and roll into the dark night towards New Jersey.