Bigger, Better, Louder

Jan. 22 marked a very special date for UCCS athletics with the opening of the Gallogly Event Center. To celebrate, the athletic department hosted a tailgate followed by a men's and women's basketball double header.

Women's team captain Janean Jubic recalls, "It was so cool to see the energy and support, we were really excited, we had a big crowd, we wanted to go out there and perform well." Center Mallory Lowe added, "We knew it was going to be tough but we really wanted to get the fans into it." UCCS student Alex Nuttall, who was in attendance for the game, commented on the crowd that, "It looked rowdy and supportive, like we were a real school for the first time. You know like the kind of school that supports its athletes and goes to all the games with painted faces."

Regis jumped out to a 54-27 halftime lead over the lady Mountain Lions but fans still stayed. Jubic said, "Even though we were down, they stayed and continued to support us, it was really cool." Mallory Lowe felt, however, that the scoreboard didn't tell the whole story stating, "It was the closest 20 point game I have ever been in!" Despite coming up short in the first game of the double header, the lady Mountain Lions played with spirit until the end.  "We outscored them by seven in the second half. We just need to learn to go out there at the beginning thinking we are down by twenty," explained Lowe. 

The men's team was also keyed up for the big night. From the moment they stepped on the court, UCCS appeared to be in high energy. It was a close game throughout with both teams trading baskets back and fourth. The game was tied by the end of regulation and overtime was no different. 

With only seven seconds left in the overtime, Junior Guard Ben Feilmeier hit a three point shot that proved to be the decisive score. "That was amazing," said Feilmeier "That was the best basketball game I've ever been a part of. I can't tell you enough how the fans helped us."

This may have been a huge step in the right direction for UCCS athletics. Jubic commented on the Mountain Lions new home court, saying, "I don't think they can compare. It's like a palace compared to what we had before." The new venue appeared to have a major impact on fans according to Nuttall, saying, "The new gym is amazing. It makes everyone want to get into the game because there is actually room to move around."    

Hopefully the new Gallogly Event Center will be the boost UCCS Basketball needs in the future.