NBA Exhibition Game -- Philadelphia 76ers vs. San Antonio Spurs - October 12, 2005
In the first-ever NBA basketball game held at the Colonial Center, the World Champion San Antonio Spurs faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers in front of a sold-out crowd on October 12, 2005. The 76ers topped the Spurs, 100-88 led by fan-favorite guard Allen Iverson, who scored 27 points in 26 minutes of play. San Antonio's scoring was spurred by Melvin Sanders with 18 and former Wake Forest stand0ut Tim Duncan with 12. Ironcially, Duncan played collegiate basketball under current South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dave Odom, and the two were spotted chatting during an early-afternoon shootaround in the arena. Duncan was even seen posing for photos with one of Odom's grandchildren. Also spotted in the crowd, was Iverson giving his used game towel and sweatband to fans on his way out of the arena. Among rumors and questions was if Eva Longoria, Desperate Housewives' star and girlfriend of Spurs' Tony Parker, was in the crowd or not. She attends many of his games, but a confirmed report could not be made.
Gamecocks' and reigning Capital One National Mascot of the Year, Cocky, enjoyed a day of fun with 76ers mascot, Hip Hop. The two performed skits during timeouts and halftime. Fans enjoyed their performances so much that the Colonial Center and USC brought Hip Hop back for a regular season USC Men's basketball game.
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