POV: You’re in the gym for one of Indiana’s most unique nights of basketball
The annual ‘Silent Night’ game at Taylor University includes costumes, fans staying silent until Taylor’s 10th point and singing Silent Night at the end of the game.
One of the best traditions in college sports returned to its annual spot the first Friday night in December: “Silent Night.”
Students were lined up days in advance of the Taylor basketball tradition, and it didn’t need to be silent very long. Carson Gould found Pete Combs for a dunk and the famed 10th point that sent Odle Arena into bedlam.
Fans remain silent until the 10th Taylor point, at which point fans erupt with noise as they storm the court in celebration — a tradition started 28 years ago. Fans in attendance also sing “Silent Night’ at the two-minute mark of the second half.
Students also dress up in various costumes. Several seen Friday night included a group as the Lorax, women with disco balls, a classic Santa and more. Caitlin Clark was a popular costume last year.
See fans rush court at ‘Silent Night’ game at Taylor University
The fans at Taylor University show once again why basketball is just different in Indiana at the annual ‘Silent Night’ game.
The Trojans wouldn’t look back, either. They raced to a 118-33 win over Moody Bible Institute, and only allowed 11 points in the second half. Izaiah Day’s 19 points led all scorers on what was a short night for the Trojans’ starters.
A pair of Fishers natives scored 13 points apiece. Kaleb Edwards (Guerin Catholic) had eight rebounds to go with it while freshman Nathan Baker had 11 rebounds. Dylan DeLuca was 8 for 8 for his 18 points off the bench.
Taylor, which competes in NAIA, is 7-3 and beat archrival Indiana Wesleyan 80-77 on Nov. 22 when the Wildcats were ranked No. 1 nationally.
