- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,152,710
- Reaction score
- 59
TOPEKA — Lee Arena has become a fortress for No. 3 Washburn men’s basketball.
The Ichabods (26-1, 16 in the MIAA) have won 27 straight home games. Washburn is set to host Pittsburg State on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
With a win, Washburn would tie the longest home win streak in program history. The 28-game win streak record dates back to 1993-95.
“We’ve had great players, that helps,” Washburn head coach Brett Ballard said. “A ton of credit to our community for getting out and showing up, giving us support.”
Washburn men's basketball: Ichabods repeat as MIAA regular season
Washburn’s current home win streak started with a win over Ottawa in the first home game of the 2024-25 season. The Ichabods are also 70-11 at home since the 2020-21 season. Since taking over the program, Ballard has lost no more than four home games in a season since 2017.
Lee Arena received a major upgrade over the offseason. The $8 million project delivered new scoreboards, lightning and a new court to Washburn’s home. The team has been extremely comfortable despite the changes, senior guard Sam Ungashick said.
“It took about a week. The first few practices felt a bit weird, but then we realized how amazing this place is and we feel as good as ever in Lee Arena,” Ungashick said. “The crowd pop in Lee Arena is amazing. It’s super fun to play in front of these fans.”
Last season, Washburn led the NCAA Division II in attendance. The team averaged 2,229 fans per game.
According to Washburn Athletics, the Ichabods have an average attendance of 1,972 this season. The largest attended game came in Washburn’s last game against Northeastern State, when 2,400 people saw Washburn win 78-54.
Washburn men's basketball: Jack Bachelor, Dillon Claussen named to Bevo Francis Award top 50
The regional championship brought droves to Lee Arena last season. Washburn had 2,711 people attend its Sweet 16 victory against Minnesota State Moorhead last year. The Ichabods can expect another big crowd this year if they are to host the regional tournament once again.
“In front of our home crowd, let’s make sure we go out and play the right way,” Ballard said. “The people are spending their hard-earned money to support us. We want to go and put out a good product for them.”
With a win over the Gorillas, Washburn can set the record for the longest winning streak in program history on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Ichabods will host Missouri Southern for senior day and the team’s final regular-season game.
The MIAA Basketball Championship Tournament will begin on Tuesday, March 3, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]m
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Washburn basketball look to tie longest home win streak in program history
Continue reading...
The Ichabods (26-1, 16 in the MIAA) have won 27 straight home games. Washburn is set to host Pittsburg State on Wednesday, Feb. 25.
With a win, Washburn would tie the longest home win streak in program history. The 28-game win streak record dates back to 1993-95.
“We’ve had great players, that helps,” Washburn head coach Brett Ballard said. “A ton of credit to our community for getting out and showing up, giving us support.”
Washburn men's basketball: Ichabods repeat as MIAA regular season
Washburn’s current home win streak started with a win over Ottawa in the first home game of the 2024-25 season. The Ichabods are also 70-11 at home since the 2020-21 season. Since taking over the program, Ballard has lost no more than four home games in a season since 2017.
Lee Arena received a major upgrade over the offseason. The $8 million project delivered new scoreboards, lightning and a new court to Washburn’s home. The team has been extremely comfortable despite the changes, senior guard Sam Ungashick said.
“It took about a week. The first few practices felt a bit weird, but then we realized how amazing this place is and we feel as good as ever in Lee Arena,” Ungashick said. “The crowd pop in Lee Arena is amazing. It’s super fun to play in front of these fans.”
Last season, Washburn led the NCAA Division II in attendance. The team averaged 2,229 fans per game.
According to Washburn Athletics, the Ichabods have an average attendance of 1,972 this season. The largest attended game came in Washburn’s last game against Northeastern State, when 2,400 people saw Washburn win 78-54.
Washburn men's basketball: Jack Bachelor, Dillon Claussen named to Bevo Francis Award top 50
You must be registered for see images
The regional championship brought droves to Lee Arena last season. Washburn had 2,711 people attend its Sweet 16 victory against Minnesota State Moorhead last year. The Ichabods can expect another big crowd this year if they are to host the regional tournament once again.
“In front of our home crowd, let’s make sure we go out and play the right way,” Ballard said. “The people are spending their hard-earned money to support us. We want to go and put out a good product for them.”
With a win over the Gorillas, Washburn can set the record for the longest winning streak in program history on Saturday, Feb. 28. The Ichabods will host Missouri Southern for senior day and the team’s final regular-season game.
The MIAA Basketball Championship Tournament will begin on Tuesday, March 3, in downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
Liam Keating covers high school sports and Washburn University for The Topeka Capital-Journal. Send stats or information to him at [email protected]m
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Washburn basketball look to tie longest home win streak in program history
Continue reading...
