Tonight’s women’s game may be one of the biggest games in the history of Lantz Arena.

Although that might sound like an overstatement, it’s not.

When you consider the circumstances and the risks and rewards that come with tonight’s game against Austin Peay, it can’t be measured.

The Panthers are seeking their 10th conference win and their 11th overall, while trying to hold on to third place.

In last Saturday’s statement victory over Samford, Eastern coach Brady Sallee said that the buzz around his team is getting bigger. In fact, he said the excitement was being felt all the way up here in Charleston.

If that’s the case, then the students aren’t noticing. The Panthers rank ninth in home attendance in the 11-team Ohio Valley Conference.

It’s conceivable to think that the women’s team will never overtake the men’s team as the school’s most popular basketball team. But you would think some more people would take notice of a team on the brink of hosting its first home conference tournament game ever.

With a win tonight, the Panthers will clinch their first 10-win season since 1997-98. It’s something that should be noticed, but it remains to be seen if it will.

It’s been said that fans come to see winners, but why are the Chicago Bulls ranked second in attendance?

Another reason for tonight being a big game is the chance for a home tournament game on Feb. 28.

The top four teams in the OVC receive a home game in the opening round of the conference tournament. If the tournament were to start today, the Panthers would open at home against Eastern Kentucky-a team EIU swept this season.

The Panthers are undoubtedly a different team at Lantz Arena than any other place. At home, EIU averages 75.1 points per game. On the road, they average 63.9 points per game.

Eastern has also won six games in a row at home, a reason for Sallee and the Panthers to get excited about a home playoff game.

It’s true that Eastern doesn’t have a great rebounding team, but seems to be getting better as it has won the last two games on the boards.

But one thing Eastern does have is the unknown. While the likes of Eastern Kentucky, Austin Peay and Tennessee Tech have been at the top of the OVC for years, the Panthers are relative newcomers.

Their roster shows their newness as they start three freshmen, none of which are undeserving.

Center Rachel Galligan is the real deal in the paint if she can keep out of foul trouble. Ellen Canale and Lauren Sims remain the team’s unofficial scrappers, and Megan Edwards has become a do-it-all point guard.

Still through all this, it doesn’t seem like anyone notices.

It takes a while for people to notice a women’s basketball team. The Cameron Crazies were going wild in Duke’s win over Tennessee earlier this year. And J.J. Redick wasn’t dropping in three-pointers. Instead it was Lindsey Harding doing the damage and inciting the home crowd.

It’s not every day Eastern has a basketball team with tournament aspirations.

It’s time for the people to take notice.

Marc Correnti is a junior journalism major. If you think he’s a do-it-all reporter, tell him at EIU3583@yahoo.com.