Holy Cross’ men’s basketball team got an unlikely assist on Monday night.
Facing Boston University at the Hart Center, the Crusaders swim team attempted to distract Ethan Okwuosa during a pair of free throw attempts at the end of the first half.
The home crowd gave the swimmers — skipping and waving their arms on the concourse, clad in their suits and swim caps — a rousing ovation.
“Ethan Okwuosa just made a shot with the Holy Cross swim team bursting out of the nearby pool for a little distraction duty and he was able to answer the call,” the CBS Sports broadcaster called, with an analyst laughing at the swimmers taking off for a second time. “Back to work guys!”
It was all for naught, however, as Okwuosa made both shots from the charity stripe to make it a 39-33 Terriers lead with 9.2 seconds left.
The swimmers had a little extra motivation for their hijinks as the schools engaged in the latest clash for the Turnpike Trophy.
The BU men’s swim team took a 212-82 victory against Holy Cross in their meet on Dec. 2.
Points are awarded in the competition between the Patriot League rivals for head-to-head wins, with the Terriers winning each year since 2015.
The Terriers held a 5-3 lead entering Monday night, with the Crusader’s women’s basketball team taking a 61-50 win before the men took the court.
