By Khalailah Bynoe & Rami Mansi
The Vanguard, along with the Brooklyn College community, was invited to witness the home game of the NBA Official Cup between the Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets. BC graduates have their graduation ceremony at Barclays Center, and in honor of this year being the 100th graduating class, Barclays Center welcomed all BC staff, students, faculty, and alumni to the game.
The game started with the Charlotte Hornets leading in the first quarter by 37-23. In the second quarter, the Charlotte Hornets continued to lead with 59-54. In the third quarter, the Charlotte Hornets were still in the lead with the Brooklyn Nets catching up with a score of 87-85. The game ended with the Brooklyn Nets winning 115-116 within the last seconds of the game.
The game was a close call, with the Nets winning over a singular point. The game was close throughout all four quarters–the coaches used the breaks to redirect players, establish new strategies, and sub out players who were objectively not on par with their teammates.
With the opening, intermission, and closing performances from numerous performers such as the official Brooklyn Nets cheerleaders, the Brooklynettes, the official hype team, Team Hype, and the DJ of the Brooklyn Nets, Jason Jung. The game was filled with audience participation and a moment was never wasted to keep the crowd rooting for the home team. This included shirts being thrown in handheld cannons to the audience members, and various viewers given opportunities to play games for a variety of prizes.
For BC students, the event was a great way for students to get together to celebrate their school as well as the Nets.
“It’s a very fun and interesting opportunity. It’s a great excuse to get together with other students,” BC student Marcus Malivert told The Vanguard.
This event was also headed by the BC Undergraduate Student Government (USG). Appearances were made by the previous president, Carrie Ebbin, and the current president, Noam Abrahams. BC President Michelle Anderson also made her way to the game, appearing on the court for the official game ball delivery. Graduating seniors were given a special fan experience through the newly opened BC Key Club.
“My experience at the BC Barclays night was truly one to remember […] The view of the court was very clear, and as someone who loves basketball, the energy from everyone in the lounge was nice to be around,” BC student-athlete Hailey Johnston told The Vanguard. “Overall, I had an amazing time, and hope BC hosts an event like this again!”