A good, old-fashioned rivalry breathed some life into E.A. Diddle Arena on Saturday night.
Western Kentucky drew a season-high 5,259 fans for its 66-64 loss to Middle Tennessee. That was well above the previous season high of 4,026 against Eastern Kentucky on Dec. 1.
"I loved it," freshman guard Chris McNeal said.
The crowd seemed to have some extra gusto, perhaps for a variety of factors.
For starters, WKU had momentum after Thursday's 69-62 home win over league-leading UAB. Fewer than 4,000 showed up for that upset.
WKU also had its standout football team in the house to be recognized at halftime along with several recruits on official visits, and the student section returned in full force with classes back in session.