The South West Philly Floater – Philadelphia Sports Nation

It’s Been a Little Over a Decade Since LaSalle’s Signature Ending.

This year, Tom Gola Arena closed and will re-open next season as John Glaser Arena.

The year was 2013, and the LaSalle College Explorers were in the NCAA Tournament. Making it to the Sweet Sixteen, they defeated Boise State, and Kansas State.

In the round of 32, LaSalle found itself in a 74–74 deadlock with #12 Ole Miss. With 2.5 seconds left, LaSalle Guard Tyrone Garland swept down the lane and scored. In the post-game interview, the game-winning shot was named by Garland.

The South West Philly Floater was born.

For more than 150 years, LaSalle has served the Philadelphia community dating back to 1863 to The American Civil War.

With its first basketball season in 1930, The Explorers have had twelve appearances in the March Madness. They were National Champions in 1954 and lost the National Championship Game in 1955.

Tyrone Garland would continue to do outstanding things on the basketball court including a 42-point game in December of 2019 in the Kosovo Basketball Superleague.

The South West Philly Floater with 2.5 seconds remaining, however will always be one of his crowning achievements.