WYNDMOOR, PA – It’s rare that Santa, SpongeBob, and a Leprechaun show up to a PCL basketball game, but at La Salle’s annual Silent Night game, it’s expected.
Click image below to see La Salle student section erupt in excitement
Click image above to view video from @LaSalle_Sports from Silent Night Game
The “Silent Night” tradition originated in the late 80’s at Taylor University and was adopted by La Salle in 2011. Students pack the student section in every costume imaginable and remain completely silent until the 10th point is scored, where they then erupt in excitement. In the final minutes of the game, the students sing “Silent Night.”
“It’s definitely one of the most exciting games of the season,” said senior guard Matt Paulus earlier this week on the #LSTalks podcast. “Everyone gets hyped up for it and its been getting better every single year.”
This year’s opponent was Bishop McDevitt who, like La Salle, has had a rough start to the season. McDevitt entered the game with a 1-6 record, while the Explorers were 2-5.
Fortunately for the massive La Salle student section, it didn’t take too long for the Explorers to get their 10th point. With about three minutes left in the fist quarter, junior Sean Simon drove to the basket and scored -sending nearly the entire left side of the gym into cheers. Simon, a 6-3 guard, transferred to La Salle this year after previously scoring more than 600 points at Springside-Chestnut Hill Academy.
The energy from the La Salle students undeniably propelled their team forward as they finished the half leading 33 to 10. As the gap continued to widen in the second half, La Salle head coach Joe Dempsey was able to give meaningful minutes to some of the younger players on this very young La Salle roster. Only two players on the team are seniors and the rest are sophomores and juniors.
La Salle vs. Bishop McDevitt
Despite a late surge from McDevitt in the fourth quarter, La Salle comfortably held on to their lead to win 61-30. Sean Simon finished with 16 points while senior Jarrod Stukes contributed 5 steals to the victory.
It’s a quick turnaround for La Salle who are at home again Sunday against Roman Catholic at 2:30. McDevitt will host St. Joe’s Prep at 3:30PM on Monday, Jan. 30.