Both emotions and audience members were wild Wednesday night as SAC presented its version of NBC’s popular “Deal or No Deal” game show in Watkins Auditorium.

Students had a chance to win cash prizes ranging from 1 cent to $300 at the event, which was hosted by Justin Chandler, a sophomore marketing major from Camden.

The game stuck as close to the original rules as possible, although actual briefcases were replaced by software designed by UTM computer store Senior Buyer’s Assistant Corey Jones.

“Deal or No Deal” tests a player’s ability to guess which briefcase has the most cash value while eliminating the others. After each round of eliminations the player has the option of selling their briefcase to the banker or continuing to play.

Four students were randomly picked, with Britni Bryant, a junior education major from New Johnsonville, Tenn., being the first to play. After declining the banker’s initial offers and eliminating the top prize, Bryant accepted the third offer of $50.

“It was exciting being up there. I got some extra cash,” Bryant said.

Sharderiya Pounders, a sophomore civil engineering major from Memphis, followed by eliminating several big money briefcases early on. After declining six offers from the banker, including one for $50, Pounders won $25 with her original briefcase.

Audience enthusiasm peaked during Tre’velle Kamara’s turn. Kamara began by eliminating several low money briefcases and declining two $50 offers, which, at that point, was the most generous of the night.

After another elimination, Kamara’s pass on a $100 offer sent the crowd into a frenzy, with several students standing and jumping in anticipation. Kamara then eliminated two big money briefcases before agreeing to a $125 deal, only to find out moments later he would have selected the $300 briefcase if he had continued to play.

Tony Liberty, the final player, eliminated five of the top six big money briefcases in his first six guesses. Liberty, a junior English education major from Millington, saw his fortunes grow worse as he was given six low offers, including one for 75 cents.

Liberty declined the offers and eventually won $3 and a can of soda as a consolation prize.

SAC members Amber Niblock, a junior public relations major from Nashville, and Courtney Brackeen, a sophomore pre-vet major from Camden, gave out door prizes such as beverages, T-shirts and jump drives.

“It went over really well. It kept me interested all the way through,” said Chad Waters, a junior chemistry major from Camden.

“I think the big thing is, and this is why SAC is so excited, is because we did everything to make it work,” Chandler said.