Women’s basketball has been around for quite some time and there are many great players. So, why hasn’t it reached the status of men’s basketball?

The United States Sports Academy found that there is a higher competitive balance in men’s basketball than in women’s.

The academy also suggested that “a lack of competitive balance among teams in a league or conference can lead to a lack of interest in the games’ outcome and thus a loss of revenue to teams sponsoring the games.”

In an attempt to satisfy my curiosity, I attended the 2011 Homecoming game of our Lady Pioneers vs. the Monterey Bay Otters on Feb. 3.

The fan turnout was low. There were more women in attendance than men and more family members than students. With this being a homecoming game, I expected the stands to be filled to capacity with spirited students.

In the beginning, the players seemed to lack true enthusiasm and determination for the game. Although they managed to keep up with the opposing team, the Lady Pioneers didn’t appear to be very competitive.

There was no visible sweat dripping from the players and the physical contact was minimal.

Then again, perhaps I am comparing this sport to that of the men’s sport too greatly with regards to physical contact, aggression and perspiration.

According to Layups.com, “men will always attempt to plow through things with athleticism and skill, while women tend to analyze a situation and come up with a response.”

As the game progressed, the Pioneers became more hands on and the defense became more assertive. Where was this passion in the first half?

I noticed that number 35 Azizi Dotson and number 2 Kristina Lin were competitive throughout the whole game.

Towards the end of the game, the team’s assertiveness quickly turned into mere aggression. In fact, a good chunk of the Otters points during the second half came as a result of Pioneer fouls.

The final score was 52 Otters and 21 Pioneers.

Overall, I felt the game lacked the excitement that I’ve become accustomed to in the men’s games. Admittedly, this was the first women’s basketball game that I’ve attended, so my view is based on this one account.

Perhaps, my comparison of this sport to men’s is what prevents me from fully accepting and enjoying it.

Maybe this can be said for society as a whole. People watch men’s basketball for the conflict between teams, the dunks, the poetic lay-ups, the potential fights and for the “star” athletes.

Are we now watching basketball games for the drama and entertainment rather than the sport itself?

According to the Handbook of Sports and Media, “sports have become more about commercialism and ego gratification that about sportsmanship and personal development.”

This could be a contributing factor to why women’s basketball is not as popular. Women are playing the more traditional and solemn sport, while viewers want to see the modern commercialized sport that captures their attention and keeps them on the edge of their seat.