10 Toughest Places To Play: College Basketball
A college basketball game is a different experience than any other sport in the world.
There is one thing that is present at college sporting events that is not a part of the professional world: students. College students pack themselves into their stadiums for every home game. Some come with jerseys, others paint their faces; regardless, their only goal is to make it a living nightmare for their opponents.
The fans have so much passion and excitement for the game. These loud crowds of students can disrupt visiting teams and change the entire game. In college basketball, a home court advantage makes all the difference.
Here are my 10 toughest places to play in college basketball.
No. 1: Gonzaga University
Student Section: The Kennel Club
Current Home Win Streak: 40
Last loss: 12/8/12 vs. Illinois
The Gonzaga faithful sure know how to get loud! The Bulldogs have won an incredible 36 games in a row at home. Gonzaga has become one of the most feared destinations for opposing teams, and for good reason.
The Bulldogs play in the McCarthey Athletic Center, which only holds 6,000 people. The smaller arena allows for even more noise.
The Kennel Club lines the side of the court from basket to basket, and they make sure opponents know whose house they are playing in–good news for the Bulldogs, as they have another six home games during the season.
No. 2: The University of Arizona
Student Section: ZonaZoo
Current Home Win Streak: 34
Last Loss: 2/10/13 vs. California
The ZonaZoo is one of the loudest student sections in the country. The students make winning at home look easy. A sea of red supporters surrounds the court, an environment any college basketball player would want to be a part of.
To make things even more interesting, Arizona plays at Gonzaga next year. The king of the home court winning streak may be decided next season.
No. 3: Kansas University
Student Section: N/A
Current Home Win Streak: 22
Last Loss: 1/05/14 vs. San Diego State
“Phog” Allen Fieldhouse is one of the most intimidating places to play every year. An always packed arena makes it impossible for visiting teams to escape with a win.
Allen Fieldhouse has already seen a 69 game winning streak, and they know future teams can do better. Kansas fans have an enormous amount of passion for their basketball team.
No. 4: Duke University
Student Section: Cameron Crazies
Current Home Win Streak: 3
Last Loss: 1/13/15 vs. Miami
Duke will always be an impossible place to get a win. Unfortunately for the Blue Devils they had a 41 game winning streak at home, but Miami snapped that a couple of weeks ago.
The Cameron Crazies make Duke such a tough opponent at home. The crazies are loud and creative. They are buzzing from the tip-off until the final buzzer sounds. Duke fans have loads of passion and love seeing their team win.
No. 5: University of Kentucky
Student Section: eRUPPtion Zone
Current Home Win Streak: 17
Last Loss: 2/27/14 vs. Arkansas
Kentucky fans know how to cheer their Wildcats to victory. This year’s undefeated Kentucky team is just another great team to go through Rupp Arena.
SEC opponents always have a tough time stealing a win in Lexington. It’s not hard to cheer for a team filled with future NBA stars.
John Calipari has figured out how to get fans excited for Kentucky basketball! One of the tricks is winning and the other might be Drake.
No. 6: San Diego State University
Student Section: The Show
Current Home Win Streak: 29
Last Loss: 11/14/13 vs. Arizona
San Diego State is another west coast school that has had huge success at home. Thanks to continuous sellouts the Aztecs always play in front of 12,000 fans.
Viejas Arena is always rocking. San Diego State has an enormous amount of support from its students, which is awesome to see.
No. 7: Wichita State University
Student Section: Shockers
Current Home Win Streak: 30
Last Loss: 1/29/13 vs. Indiana State
Wichita State doesn’t always get tested at home, but when they do they always deliver. The Shockers are extremely passionate about their basketball, and will support their team no matter what.
A year ago, Wichita State finished an unbelievable undefeated regular season, but were unable to stay perfect throughout the tournament. Wichita State should be able to hold onto their winning streak until next year and beyond.
No. 8: University of Wisconsin
Student Section: Grateful Red
Current Home Win Streak: 8
Last Loss: 12/3/14 vs. Duke
The Kohl Center is always bumping. A young and spirited fan base, the Badgers are some of the loudest in the game. Wisconsin has always had unbelievable support at home, but after a Final Four run last year the Badgers have more support than ever.
The Badgers have a good reason to be jumping around this year as they seek to take home Bo Ryan’s first National Title.
No. 9: Iowa State University
Student Section: Cyclone Alley
Current Home Win Streak: 21
Last Loss: 1/13/14 vs. Kansas
Iowa State is emerging as one of the toughest places to play in the country. The Cyclones are always decked out in yellow and red. Fred Hoiberg has done a fantastic job with the basketball program in Ames. Hoiberg has given fans a reason to fill the seat and cheer on the Cyclones.
No. 10: Michigan State University
Student Section: The Izzone
Current Home Win Streak: 1
Last Loss: 2/07/15 vs. Illinois
The Izzone is one of the most iconic student sections in college basketball. The Spartan fans are always decked out in their white and green and make opponents feel unwelcomed.
Tom Izzo has proven he can win on the court and the Michigan State fans prove year after year that they are one of the best student sections in the country.