The iconic EDM duo, the Chainsmokers, were brought in to perform in between the Men’s Final Four March Madness games on Saturday. Hosted at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, they performed a set that included several of their hit songs, like ‘Roses.’
However, this “Bridge Show,” introduced by the NCAA as an effort to connect with casual basketball fans, received a lot of criticism. Barstool Sports owner Dave Portnoy called out the performance on social media.
“This Chainsmokers concert in between games is playing off like somebody lost a bet. And I like the Chainsmokers, but nothing has ever made less sense than this,” Portnoy tweeted with a clip from the show, showcasing the unenergetic crowd.
Fans online flooded the post with similar comments, calling out the NCAA.
“I was thinking the same thing a lost bet or someone owed someone a lot of money,” one fan commented.
“Feels like the DJ hit on ‘random even ideas’ and just went with it,” another fan said.
“Not every sporting event needs an out-of-date artist singing off-key at some point. Leave that for the Super Bowl. Tip the ball and play the game,” this fan wrote.
“Horrible, Bad Bunny was better than these two,” another fan said.
“Start the game already! No one gives a f about the Chainsmokers,” this fan commented.
This year, in the men’s Final Four, UConn took on Illinois while Michigan faced the Arizona Wildcats. Dan Hurley and his team have already booked their spot in the season finale with a 71-62 victory over the Fighting Illini.
Illinois coach Brad Underwood shares his thoughts on the end of their March Madness run in the Final Four
Saturday was the Illinois Fighting Illini’s first Final Four appearance since 2005. Thus, there was a lot on the line for coach Brad Underwood and his team. However, Dan Hurley and the Huskies, who have lost just five games this season, proved to be a challenge they couldn’t surpass.
In the postgame presser, Underwood was emotional while talking about the loss.
“I feel sad, I’m sad,” Underwood said. “If you want to know the truth, I’m sad. But I’ll reflect on some of the other stuff later.”
Underwood also highlighted how he will continue to help the program emerge as a national championship contender as long as he’s with Illinois.
“We’ve got Illinois back to a level that where they’re in the Final Fours again,” Underwood said. “And by God, as long as I am ball coach, I better not take 21 damn years to get back there.”
Underwood took over as Illinois’ head coach in 2017. He’s put up a 193-109 overall record with six consecutive March Madness appearances.
Read More: “Are They Booing”: Dan Hurley Taken by Surprise as Crowd Jeers UConn’s Final Four Win
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