(Updated: 6:06 p.m.) For some fans at the Towson Center Arena on Saturday, the fact that there was a basketball game going on may not have been the first thing on their minds.

What the fans got in men's basketball home opener against Oregon State included many big names, including President Barack Obama and family, actor Bill Murray, Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger, former Congressman Tom McMillen and San Antonio Spurs star (and former Tiger) Gary Neal. The dignitaries were among a crowd of 3,119 who watched the Tigers (0-5) fall to the Oregon State Beavers (5-1), 66-46.

The Obamas were on hand to cheer on the Beavers and coach Craig Robinson, First Lady Michelle Obama's brother. The president and first lady sat courtside, while daughters Sasha and Malia sat nearby. Murray was there to watch the home debut of his son, Luke, a Towson assistant coach. He occasionally posed for photos with fans in the stands.

At one point, Murray walked over to meet the president (The Baltimore Sun has video). Obama also posed for a photo with the Towson University football team following a halftime presentation of their Security was tight at the Towson Center as fans were required to pass through metal detectors and Secret Service agents could be seen posted throughout the arena.

The game against Oregon State came about as a result of good planning and a little luck. Oregon State was looking for a game after completing its run through the TicketCity Legends Championship, and Towson was looking for a big home opener.

"We wanted to have something special for our fans because it's been a tough 15-year run here," said Towson athletic director Mike Waddell, referring to Towson's track record on the court.

Waddell added that Towson is signed for two games at Oregon State in upcoming seasons. The Obamas have attended nearby Oregon State games before, at George Washington in 2009 and Howard in 2010. Waddell said he was eager to schedule the game with those famous fans in mind, but it wasn't until last Friday that Waddell's office got word from the White House that Obama would indeed be attending the game, the closest Oregon State will get to Washington, DC this season.