Game #150 of 364 41% complete

I’m usually disappointed when a new Division I school gets added to the mix, as was the case with the University of New Haven. It simply means one more school to add to the list. However, since this is my alma mater, I’ll make an exception. I spent eight years earning a B.S. in Computer Science by attending night classes, with my employers covering the cost through their tuition benefit programs. Prior to that, I had already completed an A.S. in Data Processing, so it ultimately amounted to only two additional years of coursework.

This was supposed to be the first of four games scheduled over a three-day stretch, but storms in North and South Carolina forced me to cancel the remaining three games over the weekend.

My friend Andy and I arrived around noon, about an hour before the 1:00 p.m. tip-off. The ticket site on the UNH page listed only general admission tickets at $11. I didn’t buy tickets in advance like I normally do, figuring that a strange 1:00 p.m. start on a Friday wouldn’t draw much of a crowd.

When we walked into the lobby, there wasn’t a soul in sight. We were confused, but we knew a game was happening because we could see the players practicing on the court. Eventually, a passerby appeared, and we asked, “Where do you buy the tickets?”

He replied, “Well, don’t quote me, but I think they might be free.”

So we walked into the gym and took seats right at midcourt.

I thought New Haven put up a strong showing against UConn in their season opener. Although the final score favored the Huskies, 79–55, the Chargers showed flashes of impressive individual play. Andre Pasha led the way with 17 points and showcased a smooth turnaround jumper.

With the Mercyhurst Lakers and New Haven tied in the NEC standings at 4–2, I expected today’s matchup to be close and highly competitive.

New Haven needs to do a better job with the fan experience at a Division I basketball game. Maybe the setup was affected by the unusual Friday 1 p.m. tip-off, but the only concession available was a small table with snacks. I did manage to catch a T-shirt tossed into the crowd by the cheerleaders, which was a highlight.
At times, it felt like the number of Chargers cheerleaders and dance team members outnumbered the fans in the stands. I don’t keep official attendance records, but this had to be the smallest crowd I’ve seen during my Operation 351 travels.

Mercyhurst was also a late addition to the Division I level in April 2024. The school near Erie is on my list for a future trip, ideally one where I can combine Lakers games with contests in nearby Cleveland. This matchup was highly competitive, featuring numerous lead changes as the teams were very evenly matched. The Chargers were led by sophomore Najimi George of Bridgeport’s Kolbe High, who scored 17 points. While the addition of another Division I program means one more trip for me, it also creates new Division I opportunities for local players like George.

I am uncertain about the future of college basketball when I see smaller schools like New Haven and Mercyhurst trying to compete with programs that have significant NIL resources at their disposal. The recent trend of players returning to college after time in the NBA G League only widens the gap between the haves and the have-nots. What makes visiting small gyms so appealing is that this is how college basketball is meant to be played—by players who love the game and value an education as part of their future, not just the next contract.

Here is the mascot for New Haven, I am assuming the the bull represents “Charging”.

Mercyhurst was led by three players in double figures – Qadir Martin (16 points), Bernie Blunt (15 points) and Jake Lemelman (15 points). Lemelman had some clutch baskets at the end to seal the win for the Lakers. Both teams played hard which I was impressed with because there was little fan support to cheer them on.