Over 200 fans headed to the Field House to see the 2008-09 men's basketball team which has the campus buzzing about it's potential this year and the men didn't let their fans down, putting relentless pressure on Christendom, starting numerous fast breaks, leading to spectecular passes for easy lay-ups and a thunderous dunk by freshman Tony Tatum that raised the roof.

Coach Jeb Barber used 14 players tonight for at least 4 minutes a piece, always rotating fresh bodies into the game. Gallaudet dominated both ends of the court, and hustled after every loose ball, which included Lance Gonzalez jumping over the Gallaudet bench and Kevin Berrigan running full speed into the Gallaudet bench trying to save loose balls, as the Bison racked up numerous floor burns that will keep the Gallaudet training staff busy.

Coach Barber was low key after the game knowing there is still a long season ahead for the Bison.  "It was a good team effort and we played good defense tonight. It's fun to watch our guys when we play together. We need to understand we need to play hard and smart all the time."

The first half was even most of the way, with Gallaudet leading 26-23, before ending the half on an 11-0 run which included several plays where Gallaudet made at least 2-3 passes to an open man for an easy lay-up or jumper. Tatum led Gallaudet with 16 points, and added 5 assists, and 3 steals, all of which came when he was one on one with his opponent, and Gallaudet scored off each steal he made.

Johnny Jackson added 15 points and had 5 steals. Jon Mowl scored 12 points, had 7 steals, and added 5 assists, and Sekoe White added 10 points and 3 steals as 11 players scored for the Bison. After the game, Mowl was quick to credit the fans for the Gallaudet victory.  "The fan support was great tonight!  It really fired our team up."

As a team, Gallaudet outrebounded Christendom 55-32, including 32 offensive rebounds. White, in his final year, is excited about the prospects of this year's team.  "It feels like a new Gallaudet to me.  A new team.  New history.  We will wake up our fans this year. This is the most consistent team that I've played on.  In the past, when other teams catch up, we would give up and not play our best.  This year's team doesn't get flustered when the score is close. There is so much positive energy on our team!"

White also praised the fans enthusiasm tonight.  "We felt a positive charge from our fans tonight. Our first game we had just one fan at the game- Coach Jeb's wife." Coach Barber agreed the fan support made a difference tonight.  "The fan support we had is great. Our team feeds off the energy and emotion of the fans.  We are a much better team when we play with our friends and family watching."

Gallaudet fans will have a chance to see the Bison twice this weekend as Gallaudet hosts the Gallaudet Tournament this weekend on Saturday and Sunday.  After this weekend, the next home game will be January 7.