It was the shot that sent the crowd roaring. Joe Thompson, a senior at Montana State University, signed up for the Rib & Chop House halftime shootout and a chance to win $11,111. Not only did Joe sink the full-court shot to win, he also had to make a layup, free-throw, three-pointer and half-court shot — all within 60 seconds! The electric atmosphere of the annual Cat-Griz basketball game became deafening as Joe hurled the basketball nearly 94 feet across Brick Breeden Fieldhouse to nail the full-court miracle.
Everyone at the Rib & Chop House and Finally Restaurant Group is thrilled that the big prize went to such a fine young man like Joe. After six years of sponsoring the halftime contest, Joe was the first $11,111 winner. When asked what he would do with the cash, he mentioned paying bills, student loans, and addressing other obligations as he prepares to graduate from MSU.
A video of Joe’s accomplishment went viral instantly — within hours it was all over social media and gaining millions of views on ESPN’s Sports Center, Bleacher Report, the Pat McAfee Show, and several other top news outlets. The week after the big shot, Joe’s phone was lighting up with reporters calling to book interviews and live media appearances.
Joe wants to harness his new-found fame and connections by raising funds to help schools get new gym equipment. What a guy! We wish Joe the best of luck as he graduates this spring and moves on to new challenges. Go Cats Go!
News & Press
ESPN – Montana State student sinks full-court shot for $11,111, honors Kobe
USA Today – Montana State student unbelievably hits a full-court shot to win $11,111 in halftime contest
CBS Sports – Montana State student hits wild full-court heave to win $11,111 giveaway during halftime
247sports – WATCH: Student sinks full-court shot for $11,000
MSN Sports – Montana State student hits full-court shot to win $11,111 in halftime contest
Bozeman Daily Chronicle – MSU’s Joe Thompson after winning $11k with full-court shot: ‘It’s been insane’
Tweets
“2-4” 💛
Montana State student Joe Thompson sunk this full-court shot to win $11,111 and then honored Kobe.
(via @MSUBobcats) pic.twitter.com/5lSNXqfJRT
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 23, 2020
Montana State student hits the full court shot for $11,111 🤑
(via @MSUBobcats)
pic.twitter.com/SX3T4fHhij— SI College Hoops (@si_ncaabb) February 23, 2020
FROM FULL COURT.
$11,111 IN HIS POCKET.
(via @MSUBobcats)pic.twitter.com/adoyeWfrNs
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 23, 2020
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