ODU fans make trip to round 2 NCAA game

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Some diehard Old Dominion University basketball fans are taking a trip to the Big Easy.

They boarded buses outside the Webb Center on the Norfolk campus Friday afternoon, which will take them to New Orleans for the ODU vs. Baylor NCAA tournament game Saturday.

Kim Ganczak, an ODU student, is ready to cheer on Big Blue at the big dance. She's prepared too. "Lots of food, clothes, all my Monarch gear. Got a hat, some hair, beads. I'm ready for the Big Easy man," said Ganczak.

Fan Nolan Gonzalez added, "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see our team play in a NCAA tournament."

Assem Rastogi, program director for the Monarch Maniacs said it's going to be a quick trip. "The game starts at 5:50 p.m. After the game, it's a few hours of free time and we're coming right back. All these students are dedicated; paid their $50. They really wanted to go. That's what it's all about."

3rd seed Baylor is a four and a half point favorite to beat 11th seed ODU, but the fans have faith. The game is scheduled to begin at 5:45 p.m. ET .

Old Dominion's men's basketball team squeaked by with a win over Notre Dame Wednesday afternoon, which advanced them to the second round of the tournament.

This is the first big dance win for the Monarchs since 1995.