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Summary:

Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, holds an annual “Silent Night” basketball game tradition. For almost 30 years, the student body remains silent until the team scores 10 points, at which point a wild celebration erupts. The event has evolved over the years to include elaborate costumes, on-court performances, and a final singing of “Silent Night.” This year’s game was won by Taylor, with junior forward Pete Combs scoring the tenth point. One group dressed as characters from “John Wick” and even received a blessing from the film’s creator, Taylor alumnus Derek Kolstad. The tradition blends Christmas cheer, creativity, and pre-finals stress relief.

News Article:

Fox 59 News: Taylor University’s ‘Silent Night’ Tradition Erupts in Costume-Filled Celebration

UPLAND, Ind. – For nearly three decades, the students of Taylor University have embraced a unique pre-finals tradition known as “Silent Night,” and Friday’s game was no exception. The small Christian university transformed into a spectacle of costumes, cheers, and court-storming excitement as its men’s basketball team took on Moody Bible.

The tradition dictates complete silence from the student section until the Trojans score their 10th point. This year, Junior forward Pete Combs ignited the frenzy with a thunderous two-handed dunk. Chaos ensued as students dressed as everything from “Karate Kid” characters to “Loraxes” flooded the court.

“It’s Christmas cheer, creativity, and end-of-the-semester relief all rolled into an epic game of basketball,” reads the Taylor Athletics website, and this year’s event proved that to be true.

Adding an extra layer of excitement, one group of students donned black suits to represent the “John Wick” franchise, created by Taylor University alumnus Derek Kolstad. The students even contacted Kolstad for his blessing, which he enthusiastically provided via a video message.

Beyond the costumes and celebrations, Taylor secured a decisive 118-33 victory over Moody Bible, pushing their “Silent Night” record to an impressive 27-1. Junior guard Izaiah Day led the scoring with 19 points.

As the game neared its end, the crowd quieted, arms linked, and voices rose in unison to sing “Silent Night,” a fitting conclusion to a tradition that has become a beloved part of the Taylor University experience.

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