Die-hard Florida fans Drew Copeland and Ken Block (band members of Sister Hazel) entered United Center well before game time in preparation for singing the evening’s National Anthem.

Little did they know, they were in for quite a treat.

With Copeland and Block beginning the night with their beautiful harmonies, former Florida Gator Joakim Noah rose to the occasion in the clutch on Saturday evening in Chicago as the Bulls beat the reeling Atlanta Hawks in overtime.

After Atlanta missed a potential game-tying three and Chicago’s Derrick Rose missed both free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining in the extra period, Noah blocked a Hawks rebound pass to secure the victory for the Bulls.

Rose was beyond impressive despite his two late missed free throws, garnering 32 points to put an end to Atlanta’s six-game win streak; Noah, meanwhile, also chipped in with 11 big boards, two blocks, two assists, and seven points.

Former Duke Blue Devil Luol Deng also had a hand in Chicago’s OT win, grabbing yet another NBA double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds (along with six assists and two blocks).

Kirk Hinrich and Taj Gibson also gave the Bulls a huge spark off the bench, scoring a combined 23 points in the victory.


[Pictured above are a trio of Gators: Drew Copeland, Joakim Noah, and Ken Block; photo courtesy of Copeland via Facebook]


Denton Ramsey may be reached via email at denton.ramsey@gmail.com