Obama attends Oregon State-George Washington college ball game; brother-in-law coaches at OSU

Obama at hoops game to see brother-in-law’s team

WASHINGTON — It was a family affair for President Barack Obama at the Oregon State-George Washington University basketball game Saturday.

Brother-in-law Craig Robinson is the Oregon State coach. And the president brought along first lady Michelle Obama, daughters Malia and Sasha, and mother-in-law Marian Robinson.

The family sat courtside in the half-full Smith Center, munching on popcorn as Oregon State (2-3) handed George Washington its first loss after four victories.

After leading comfortably for much of the game, OSU survived a late rally by GWU to win 64-57 in front of a boisterous crowd.

Naturally, the Obamas were intensely interested in the outcome. Obama and Mrs. Robinson clapped when OSU scored. Mrs. Obama smiled and clapped, too.

Obama, an avid basketball fan who likes to play the game himself as often as he can, spent the past two days out of public view, enjoying Thanksgiving at the White House with family and friends. After the game, the president returned to the White House.