Pack the House is a TAMUK event in which students are encouraged to show school spirit at the Javelina men and women’s basketball games.
On Jan. 30, Javelina Athletics hosted the annual Pack the House Night event. The Javelinas took on the St. Edwards Hilltoppers and the women’s basketball team found a 59-50 victory.
“We tell our team all the time, be fun to watch. Maybe there were 10, 20 people that hadn’t been to a basketball game before and they’re like ‘Man, that’s pretty cool, let’s come back Saturday.’ And that’s just the way it goes. So, it’s exciting for our athletic department,” women’s Basketball Head Coach Michael Madrid said.
Javelina Athletics gave out free shirts and pizza to attending fans.
They also had mini games in between quarters and they honored the university’s sponsors.
Freshman King Johnson was honored with his $900 check he won for making a half-court shot during half time of a game.
“It feels good. I am a humble person and blessed. Making the half-court shot I’m blessed for that too. So, it’s good coming out and showing school spirit,” Johnson said.
The men’s team took a tough loss losing 66-69 in the final moments.
However, the packed house didn’t go unheard.
With 6:30 left in the game the Javelinas were down 50-56. Then there was a put back layup by Jake Arnold, and-one conversion by Bryson Goldsmith that brought the game to 55-56 when a timeout was called.
Fans tensed up as a trombone solo started to play.
Goldsmith came back on the court getting to the free throw line on a fast break again knocking down a pair. Nate Lacewell found his way in the paint for a bucket while the man who started their 11-5-point run ended with a Jake Arnold fastbreak layup, setting the Javelinas first lead since the first half.
“It’s just a completely different element in the SPEC when the students come out and they’re involved and they’re engaged. The band does an unbelievable job of just lifting the energy in the arena,” men’s Head Basketball Coach Omar Gonzalez said.
Both teams have three home games left on the schedule for Feb. 20, 22 and 27 before they end their seasons on the road.
Currently the women Javelinas are on a three-game winning streak.
“Kudos to our university and the people that put these events on to get students involved, free pizza, free shirts, all those things. It’s a university event, you know. This isn’t about men’s and women’s basketball. This is about celebrating Javelina Nation. Just love to look out there and see our students trickling in and as our game is ending more people are going to end up in there. But just being excited gives us a lot of energy. I don’t think Javelina Nation understands how much energy it provides for our teams when we look up and see a lot of people in the stands,” Madrid said.