March madness means basketball fever at Carl Sandburg College in Galesburg.
The Chargers are competing in the NJCAA Division II national tournament for the first time.
There's a sound of success at Carl Sandburg College on Tuesday morning.
"I was on the edge of my seat," said CSC sophomore Ania Alfano.
Students and staffers pack the campus center to cheer their Chargers long distance. Tension mounts, and excitement builds.
"I think we need to play it right and get a three at the buzzer," said student Tara DeJaynes.
The Chargers do make a massive second half comeback against Wayne County.
"I think we have hope," said CSC Vice President Julie Gibb. "We're going to keep cheering."
But in a season for the underdogs, this Cinderella team falls just short, 56-53.
Still, a three-point defeat really isn't a loss for the Chargers. It boosts the program and its fans.
"It was overwhelming," Alfano continued. "You didn't think that very many people liked basketball here. But you could tell when they got there, everybody was behind them."
While watching the road game from Danville on a big screen, the atmosphere feels like the real thing. That says a lot about this college and its caring community.
"They really wanted the game," said freshman Shakisha Grays. "I know they really wanted to win."
This basketball excitement offers a break from the routine at Carl Sandburg College. Something that sparks a whole lot of school pride.
"It was fun," said freshman Trenton Watts. "We had a different atmosphere."
It's great to have something to cheer about. These fans make the most of every moment.
"Everybody has the ability to do what they can do," Alfano said.
A real charge for the Chargers that revs up Carl Sandburg College.
"There's no stopping them when you believe they can do it," Alfano concluded.
The Chargers will play a consolation game on Wednesday afternoon in Danville.