Wake got off a desperation heave at the basket before time expired. So while this was a huge boost to the Tar Heel season and a great play by Haywood, it wasn't a buzzer-beater such as Haston made that normally causes a sudden outburst of emotion by fans. It was a tremendous win over an excellent team, but really should not have pulled spectators all over the Smith Center floor. However, it seems that fans everywhere now want to be a piece of the action. Personally, I think it's because spectators have seen such rushes to the court occur in other arenas and now think it's part of the game.
Fans can enjoy a victory while staying off the court.
It really looks absurd to have people all over the court anytime Carolina scores a victory. Additionally and more importantly, it's not safe. That goes for fans, players, coaches, the opposition or members of the media. No arena has enough ushers to keep a large number of people off the court if they charge it at a game's conclusion. The first time I can recall the court being flooded with people here wasn't even at a game's conclusion.