Since president Obama took office, the family has made it a point to attend at least one college basketball game a year. That game is whenever Oregon State plays a team in the Washington, D.C. area. This year the unlucky opponents were the Maryland Terrapins, who were stunned in a 90-83 loss in front of a packed Comcast Center as the entire first family—including the first lady's mother, Marian Robinson—looked on.
Why the obvious non-Washington-area team partisanship?
That's because Michelle Obama's brother, Craig Robinson, is the head coach of the Oregon State Beavers. Before playing Maryland, the team was greeted to a White House tour and a little ribbing from the president.
"Before this game, during our tour, he was admonishing the guys to make sure they started playing a little bit better because his brother-in-law is coaching the team," Robinson told ESPN.
Robinson usually brings his team to the Washington area around Thanksgiving, which doubles as a family visit at the White House and gives him and the Oregon State players a chance to tour the White House.
The Obamas were greeted upon arrival with more cheers than boos. They took their seats directly behind the Oregon State bench and stayed until the end of the game as the Beavers weren't the clear winners until the closing minute.
"They played inspired, for him, for themselves and for Oregon State. It means a lot having him here," said Robinson, now 4-0 with the president in attendance, ESPN reports.
"What we're trying to do is get him to come to some more games," the coach said.
Read more at ESPN.