Behind the scenes: Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament Day Three

The final days of the Big Ten tournament can be the most fun. Better teams, more media and a larger crowd.

Both games Saturday were on the Big Ten Network, with Eric Collins providing the play-by-play and Vera Jones the analysis. The network also has a set on the north end of Conseco where Mike Hall and Stephanie White host the pregame, halftime and postgame duties. Throughout the tournament, I pay attention to unique items, things that don’t stand out to the typical fan.

Radio personalities

One big thing that differentiates women’s basketball from men’s comes from the broadcasting standpoint. Due to budget cuts and lack of radio affiliates, many women’s teams have been forced or have chosen to have a one-man band. Teams have opted to cut the color analysis and have the play-by-play guy handle it all. Most of the top teams this weekend have a pair such a Ohio State and Michigan State. But lower profile and smaller contingent programs like Illinois and Indiana stick to a single broadcaster.

Paper, paper, and more paper

It’s unbelievable how much paper this tournament runs through—and just wait until next week with the men’s. The Conseco Fieldhouse copier room already has two heavy-duty copiers in it and they bring in a third for the tournament.

There are a variety of colored paper depending on what is being printed. There are pregame notes, postgame notes, boxscores, and full postgame boxscores which include the entire game play-by-play rundown. Plus at every timeout, about 20 copies total are printed for each team, the Big Ten Network studio hosts, broadcasters, and both teams radio.

And then each team brings postgame media guides to the tournament which is different than the normal team media guide.

I’m no environmentalist by any means, but in a digital age, printing so much seems such a waste when everything is available online.

The electricity is in the air

It’s the best time of year, March Madness. The women’s tournament begins the postseason while the men’s wraps up the regular season. Tears are shed, smiles are abundant and many seniors play some of their last competitive basketball of their career. Face it, most won’t go pro in basketball, especially in the women’s game when the opportunities are not as intriguing.

Bands, mascots and cheerleaders

I assume because Big Ten teams send representatives for the men’s tournament, they have to send the same for the women’s. Title IX. Every team is allowed about eleven cheerleaders, (most bring five females and six males) as well as a pep band and mascot (if they have one). Another big cost for every university if you take into account transportation, rooms, and food while in Indianapolis.

Internet connectivity

Having a fast, reliable Internet connection is imperative for both media, teams and the conference. This year the conference and Conseco Fieldhouse have made a big step in improving the experience.

Officials

Finally there is the officials that call the high-stakes game. The Big Ten appears to have brought about ten in and they rotate groups and games. Many of these referees I am friendly with an have a minor relationship with after taking care of them during WNBA season for the last nine seasons. Referees do not make enough money in the WNBA or college ranks to just work one. Being a referees is a thankless job where one can never be right and someone is always hollering at you. I can’t imagine and never would want to do it myself—especially with the expanded use of replay and slow-motion. I’ve enjoyed catching up with a few of them…

That’s it for today. Attendance today was 6,757. Penn State, the 2nd seed will meet No. 5 Ohio State in the finals Sunday at 3:30 p.m. on ESPN2. Ohio State has struggled this year compared to their play the last decade.