We won over $500 on the first night of March Madness. We will probably lose it right back tonight.

We believe that sports betting is a combination of luck, knowledge and maybe being fixed — and not in that particular order. While we enjoy watching the games and making a few small wagers, the excitement and enjoyment of the games can occasionally be out-done by an unusual circumstance.

Two years ago the Loyola-Chicago team was the darling of the tournament, not just because they won some games but mostly because of the 90-plus year-old nun who traveled with the team throughout the tournament and was their spiritual adviser.

She also was known to be part coach as she advised the players by email after each game. Sister Jean is back this year, but her team lost in the first round to Ohio State. Of course, there may be a plague on Buckeyes this year if she desires so.

But Thursday night television watchers were treated to an unusual happenstance during one of the games.

We must concede that included in the various names we have been called over the years that Cheer Dad is one of them and one we are quite proud of too.

During the Indiana game, the basketball became lodged above and behind the backboard. After a couple of minutes it appeared the game would be held up until a ladder was retrieved to get the ball back into play since other efforts had failed.

However, a tiny little athlete known as a cheerleader came to the rescue. When all else failed one of the female cheerleaders and her male stunting partner (Coach Stoner note the correct terms being used here) stepped into action.

The flyer assumed her position with her base who lifted her toward the sky, walked across the court and then raised her into an extension well above the rim to easily grasp the unusual rebound and save the game. THE CROWD WENT NUTS.

We hurriedly posted the replay for cheerleaders and Cheer Dads everywhere to enjoy. If we get every game wrong for the rest of the tournament, it doesn’t matter. We got to see cheerleader highlights of the year.

— RV