Excitement and anticipation hung in the air of the Haben Center before the annual students versus teachers basketball game. Games between these two opponents are historically even; the whole stadium knew it was going to come down to the final buzzer.

Putting their pride and reputation on the line, both teams prepared to give it their all out on the court. “Winning is just everything in this matchup,” junior forward Max Benning said.

The game got off to a slow start for both sides as the teams traded turnovers for the first few possessions. That was until senior point guard, Jake Jacobsen, caught fire. Netting two straight 3s, he alone gave the early advantage to the students. It wasn’t long before the teachers responded, as the star of the team, Coach Dame, took over the game. Dame’s jump shot was lethal, going three for four from beyond the arc. “Early in the game coach Dame was just lighting it up from behind the arc; it gave us the advantage we needed,” math teacher Max Johnson said.

The first half ended, and the teachers were up big. While a half-time half-court shot contest was going on, the students huddled to make a game plan. They needed a big comeback. Xavier Lumpkin started the scoring for the students in the second half with a moving jumper. Mrs. Miksch replied with a deep 3, running up the score for the teachers. The momentum was clearly in the teachers’ favor as Dame threw down an electric alley-oop dunk. “He was just too good. there was nothing we could do to stop him,” junior Sophie Melsness said.

Suddenly, the students found their groove. Led by Max Benning’s key free throws, the students had the game within 3 points with a minute left. Dame squashed their hopes as he threw down a game-sealing monster dunk. The teachers had won in a thriller. Despite their loss, the students remained positive. “It was a rough game. I thought we played really good and I’m proud of my teammates,” freshman guard Xavier Lumpkin said.

The game is an incredible tradition and an exciting kickoff to March Madness. BSM has not had many in-school events due to the global pandemic, but this game was a hopeful sign that things may be getting back to normal sooner rather than later.