EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – In a random survey of SIUE students, 7 out of 7 agree there is an electricity in the air on campus.

This is in anticipation of #16 SIUE playing #1 Houston in the first round of the NCAA tournament in Wichita, Kansas.

“I’ve gone to every home game,” says Gabrielle Allen, a sophomore. “Seeing (SIUE) flourish from the beginning up to now, I’m happy to cheer them on and pave the way.”

JJ Sweatt, a mass communications major, has been calling SIUE games for about two years. He noted that it’s enjoyable to produce the games from a fan’s perspective.

“Every class I’m in, the teachers are talking about it and the students,” says Aly Abouzaid, a computer science major. “We feel like we actually have a chance. It’s exciting.”

Inside of the Vadalabene Center, inside the First Community Arena, is where the Southern Illinois University Cougars men’s basketball team calls home.

Downstairs in the gym, SIUE women’s volleyball team is conditioning.

A sense of accomplishment in the training complex, spilling over to the campus.

“I love the atmosphere,” says Tionna Owens, volleyball player. “We’re all together. When you go to games, you see the other student athletes and it makes it so much more fun.”

The men’s team will play Houston Thursday at 1 p.m. in the school’s first-ever NCAA tournament appearance.

A bus full of students will leave campus Thursday at 5 a.m. to go root for their team in person.

Meanwhile, in the Meridian Ballroom, a watch party will be held to see the battle of the Cougars.

“I think SIUE is such a good school and a lot of spirit here,” says Jenna Nestor, a business major. “I think our school is at an all-time high for our spirit right now.”

And a random survey of alumni telling this very story says they’re excited for the SIUE Cougars first invite to the big dance.