When thinking of March Madness, images of buzzer-beaters, shocking upsets, and things that happen on the floor usually come to mind. But Thursday’s game between the Indiana Hoosiers and St. Mary’s Gaels gave us a different kind of moment — one that was no less memorable.
Normally when a ball is stuck, it’s between the rim and backboard. Most players can easily jump up and knock the ball loose. But when the ball is stuck behind the hoop, it’s a different challenge. That happened during Indiana’s NCAA Tournament game with St. Mary’s.
Fortunately for all involved, a Hoosiers cheerleader was on the spot to solve the problem.
Incredible scene in Portland, as an Indiana cheerleader saves the day by freeing a stuck ball. Amazing call by Andrew Catalon. pic.twitter.com/P53569THj2
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 18, 2022
The moment drew a big reaction not only in Portland but also on Twitter with people watching.
And this is why Thursday of the NCAA Tournament remains the best day on the sports calendar. https://t.co/7xq7NHeoGB
— Kyle Bailey (@KyleBaileyClub) March 18, 2022
Magic https://t.co/JDA1wWEL9p
— Mikel Lauber (@MikelLauber) March 18, 2022
I absolutely love this totally silly, unserious month. https://t.co/FfhAK9Spub
— John Reecer (@JReecerMedia) March 18, 2022
This is just wonderful. https://t.co/I3lmLtiKXQ
— Sean Greene (@SeanGreeneWDEL) March 18, 2022
Toss hands-extension for the win! https://t.co/3PnqaTPIDX
— Owen Siebring (@owensiebring) March 18, 2022
This is what March Madness is all about! https://t.co/dGX9z8QSo8
— Troy Pelfrey (@tpelf) March 18, 2022
why am i obsessed with this 😂 https://t.co/H7T90UljjC
— Chierstin Susel (@ChierstinSusel) March 18, 2022
— Marty Gibbons (@Marty_Gibbons) March 18, 2022
As one could tell by looking at the scoreboard, it wasn’t a great day for Indiana. The Hoosiers trailed 45-29 at the time and things only got worse from there.
But while a deep run isn’t happening for Indiana, some users were happy to see the Hoosiers get one highlight before bowing out.
Indiana's highlight from their game today… https://t.co/0GkobrsTq8
— AGreatCall (@agreatcall) March 18, 2022
The best play for Indiana Is the cheerleader grabbing the ball https://t.co/PR7LYWAn9S
— TwistNHook (@TwistNHook) March 18, 2022
Happy to see Indiana have at least one highlight in this game. https://t.co/7q05Ohyyc5
— Kaitlin Urka (@kaitlinurka) March 18, 2022
One even had a creative idea.
She should be allowed to play in the game. Can't be worse than their actual players. https://t.co/GPJRcFNT8b
— JP 🧷🇺🇸 (@jjhparker) March 18, 2022
There’s a lot of basketball left to be played before we hear “One Shining Moment” at the end of the National Championship Game. But plenty of tweeters called for this moment to make the montage.
I can’t wait to see this in One Shining Moment. https://t.co/Wc0YGkr73p
— Dan (@DanSparano) March 18, 2022
The call, the crowd, put this whole thing in One Shining Moment. https://t.co/doVru1Eg4M
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 18, 2022
We can’t argue.
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