BUCKNELL UNIVERSITY — It was a loud and proud send-off for the Bucknell Bison Tuesday afternoon.
The men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA tournament.
The 11 seed is scheduled to take on six seed Butler on Thursday in Lexington, Kentucky.
Fans are pumped up.
Dozens gathered on campus to say goodbye to the team as it boarded a bus, including 10-year-old Nick Daniloff. He has been playing in the pep band since he was 6 years old.
“They’re the best team ever and they do a lot and I’m just really glad to see them going to the NCAA,” he said.
Head coach Dave Paulsen thanked the crowd for their support.
Bucknell defeated Lafayette last week, winning the Patriot League and earning an automatic spot in the tournament for the second time in three seasons.
“You know this community has supported our guys through thick and thin. I remember they were there cheering for our team when we were 7 and 23 five years ago. They’ve been with our team every step of the way,” said Paulsen.
Fans said they hope their team makes a deep run in this year’s tournament.
“We’re friends with the Paulsens and we’re excited for them and all of the guys, it’s a great group of guys and we’re hoping they come out and win,” said Julie Rowe of Lewisburg.
“We are huge supporters of these young men they are amazing athletes,they have fine character we support them all the way and whatever they do it just fine with us!” said Lewisburg Mayor Judy Wagner.
Tip-off Thursday is set for 12:40 p.m.
