Love Competition Hall was busier than ever on Saturday afternoon, as big music stars squared off against members of the McGill and Concordia basketball teams in the second annual POP vs. Jock charity game. All proceeds from the game went towards DJ Sports Club, a non-profit charity organization that promotes and offers sports programs and recreational activities for youth between seven and 17. The Founder and Executive Director of DJ Sports Club, Dexter John, played as a member of team POP.

The game itself was quite the spectacle. Fans were given cutout faces of either Michael Jackson or Michael Jordan, depending on whether their allegiance lay with team POP or team Jock. The atmosphere was electric, and the participants seemed to enjoy the encouragement. Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire and Kid Koala provided music and beats during the game. Both performers were dressed in exuberant animal suits—Chassagne in a bear suit and Mr. Koala in—you guessed it—a koala suit.

In addition to Dexter John, team POP included the Butler brother duo—Win and Will from Arcade Fire—Martin Starr of Freaks and Geeks and Party Down, Nikolai Fraiture of The Strokes, and professional basketball player Luke Bonner, among others. The Jock team was composed of both the men’s and women’s basketball teams from McGill and Concordia. Second-year Martlet guard Dianna Ros started the game for the Jocks.

Surprinsingly, Team POP handled the Jocks in the first half, with Win Butler and Luke Bonner carrying the way. The first half ended with team POP down only 46-43.

The halftime show opened with a fan giveaway that was shortly interrupted by an impromptu yet intense roller derby game. Afterwards, former Talking Heads lead singer David Byrne led Fraiture and the Butlers in a small set, which included a particularly inspiring rendition of the ever classic “That’s the Way (I Like It).” Once Byrne was finished, children dressed in their own animal suits joined Chassagne and Kid Koala on the court, dancing to Koala’s childish theme song, “Open Close.”

Following the break, the intensity of the game increased. Team POP maintained a lead until midway through the fourth quarter when members of the Concordia team started increasing the tempo. Nevertheless, team POP held their own and with just 20 seconds remaining, had narrowed the Jock’s lead to three points. Then, controversy ensued—Ryan Leier, of team POP, hit a three-pointer to tie the game with only seven seconds left, but the referee blew the whistle just before he released the ball. The officials initially ruled no basket much to the dismay of team POP and the fans.

Win Butler took the microphone and asked the crowd whether the basket should have counted—and shockingly, the fans said it should. Accordingly, the referees counted the points, and at 93-93, team Jock had the ball with seven seconds remaining. They ran a pick-and-roll leading to the game-winning three ball and prevailed 96-93.

For McGill athletics—specifically the basketball teams—this event not only promoted an important cause, but also granted the teams great exposure according to McGill Martlets’ Head Coach Ryan Thorne.

“I think anytime you get to showcase our sport, it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “I’ve known Dexter John for a very long time and what he’s doing is for a good cause. The DJ Sports program helps promote basketball in Montreal, and also has different programs to help kids stay off the streets. It means a lot to have something like that housed in our building.”

With the loss, game organizers Dexter John and Win Butler are now 1-1 in these charity games, leaving little doubt that this rivalry has just begun. After the medals were given out to each of the teams, Butler thanked the fans for the support and announced that they will be back for the third annual POP vs. Jock game in 2013.