Some of the biggest stars in college basketball were in action on Tuesday night when Michigan State faced Kentucky, and when Duke battled Kansas, in the ‘State Farm Champions Classic’ at Madison Square Garden.
However, the biggest star who took the court during the night weren’t any of the players. It was none other than legendary performer Red Panda.
MORE: Disney, YouTube TV end standoff after two-week blackout
And during the halftime break of the Kansas-Duke game, Red Panda (Rong “Krystal” Niu) left the New York crowd and the ESPN broadcast team of Rece Davis, Jay Williams, Seth Greenberg and Andraya Carter in total awe and wonder.
Red Panda takes the limelight
Red Panda was in the middle of her trademark, famous act as ESPN’s analysts were discussing the first half that had just wrapped up. And when she happened to drop a bowl, the ESPN commentators also looked behind them and reacted to the boos that followed from the crowd.
“Is Red Panda getting booed?” Williams asked.
“Did Red Panda drop one?” followed up Davis.
“What’s going on?” Williams asked again.
Jun 16, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Performer Red Panda performs during the halftime in game five against the Indiana Pacers of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Seth Greenberg however had no doubt whatsoever that a champion performer such as Red Panda was always going to bounce back from making a mistake.
“She’ll make a comeback, don’t worry about it,” Greenberg said.
A legend bounces back
A few moments later, Greenberg proved to be right. With the focus and attention and ESPN coverage now firmly set on Red Panda, the basketball icon proceeded to flip the multiple bowls she was balancing on her feet and landed them with style on the top of her head.
This prompted a huge cheer and plenty of excitement from the crowd and ESPN’s broadcasters.
Feb 8, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; The ESPN Game Day crew, made up of Rece Davis with analysts Seth Greenberg, Andraya Carter, and Jay Williams visit before the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Iowa State Cyclones at James H. Hilton Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
“I told you she would bounce back!” Greenberg said.
“That’s how you shut them up!” proclaimed Carter before Greenberg continued to heap praise on Red Panda’s attitude.
“No one gets to the next play like Red Panda,” Greenberg said.
With her performance that was captured on the ESPN broadcast, not only did Red Panda showcase her amazing talent, but she also displayed that she has the resilience and heart of a true champion.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —
NFL: 12 NFL teams with the best chance to win the Super Bowl after Week 11
CFB: Predicting the 12 College Football Playoff teams after Week 12
NBA: Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves Bucks with major question after latest injury scare
MLB: Yankees sign pending free agent outfielder for $22 million
VIRAL: Former Rams cheerleader Maxxine Dupri reaches major WWE career milestone