MUNCIE, Ind. — Michael Lewis has made a concerted effort to entice Ball State University students to attend men's basketball games this season.
For Saturday's rivalry game against Miami (Ohio), the first-year head coach and "self-appointed party planner" once again offered a special promotion: the first 400 students receive their choice of a free slice of pizza, hot dog, soft drink or an "ice-cold" beer.
The deal was too good to refuse as the Cardinals student section joined a lively crowd of 5,500 spectators, Worthen Arena's largest attendance in nearly five years. Their energy helped BSU shed its off outing at Ohio to form a 25-9 advantage through the first nine minutes, leading to a 75-61 victory.