Air Force expecting rare sellout thanks to BYU star
The Jimmer Show should play to a sellout crowd Wednesday.
As of this afternoon Air Force had less than 200 tickets available for Wednesday night's home game against BYU and national Player of the Year candidate Jimmer Fredette, and the school expects a sellout. The last sellout for Air Force was Nov. 21, 2009 against Northern Colorado in the title game of the Reggie Minton Classic.
Air Force coach Jeff Reynolds realizes Fredette is a headliner, but hopes the sellout crowd at Clune Arena provides a tough home-court advantage for his team.
"I hope they're there to cheer for Air Force, and not there just to watch Jimmer," Reynolds said. "I know I've had more ticket requests, personally."
Reynolds said he remembered the wild, loud atmosphere at Clune Arena for the Falcons' win against DePaul in the 2007 NIT quarterfinals.
"If it's like that environment, it would be very special," Reynolds said.
Fredette has become a phenomenon in recent weeks for his high-scoring games, and BYU is starting to get big crowds for its road games. That hasn't fazed Fredette or the Cougars, who have played better on the road at times through Fredette's career.
"What makes him better on the road? Why does he score more on the road than he does at home?" Reynolds said. "He has a toughness about him, an air about him. Their team does. Their focus seems to be more stern on the road."
