The problem with women's basketball? Lack of support

People follow their passions but need more than just family encouragement.

What’s wrong with UConn’s record 89-game winning streak? No national support beyond the headlines.

There are plenty of superior female athletes out there, but fan support is sadly lacking. Even at UConn, where the men’s team is also strong, the men outdraw the women, and at higher ticket prices.

Here’s the really sad statistic: Last season, 334 men’s Division I men’s basketball teams averaged 5,038 fans a home game. Forty-four teams averaged 10,000 or more.

On the women’s side, Tennessee averaged 12,896 and UConn averaged 10,182. Only 13 other teams averaged more than 5,000 a game.

Since most colleges have more than 50 percent women attending classes, they must be doing something else in their free time. Or, they aren’t interested in watching basketball.

Sure, the men had a healthy head start. But Title IX, guaranteeing equality, is 40 years old. Women have the playing part down. Support must follow.

I think part of the reason UConn (7) and Tennessee (6) have won 13 of the last 20 NCAA championships is because the best players are lured to places where the fans show they care.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2157 or mkatz@DaytonDailyNews.com.