WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

This Dog Will Hunt: Barton Bulldogs Move Up in Hoops Division II

Mar 13, 2007

Wilson, N.C. — There was a buzz on the Barton College campus Tuesday with the men's Bulldog basketball team trying to play its way to an NCAA Divison II national title. That grew to a roar Tuesday night as the Bulldogs defeated Millersville University 76-65 and moved up to the Elite Eight next week in Springfield, Mass.

“In this part of the country, we're always going to operate a bit in the shadow of the ACC, but the Bulldogs are barking loud,” Athletic Director Gary Hall said before the game. The squad proved him correct.

“Man it’s been crazy,” said team member Anthony Atkinson before the matchup.

“The energy is incredible. When you go into the cafeteria, when you go into the classrooms, people are always outside the classrooms talking about the games,” said Will Cobb.

“The excitement surrounding it is just crazy. I couldn't even sleep last night,” Atkinson said. Tuesday.

“Our fans are great. The guys are pumped,” Coach Ron Lievense said.

This is the second year in a row that the Bulldogs have made it to Division II’s version of the Sweet 16. It’s also the second year in a row Barton has hosted the East Regional Tournament.

“What these guys have done back-to-back is an incredible thing, and what a tremendous situation for Wilson and for Barton,” the coach added.

Game day brings a sea of blue. Students decorate campus with ribbons and signs.

So far, every regional tournament game here has sold out. Wilson Gym, which only holds about 2,200 is packed every night.

“The environment in the gym is unbelievable,” said Brittany Creamer. “You know we have a smaller gym, so it feels awesome when they are playing.”

Playing for the home crowd is especially thrilling for Atkinson, a senior point guard, because Wilson is his hometown.

March Madness has hit this small campus in a big way.