NCAA West Regional: La Salle a real Philadelphia story

Tyrone Garland, second from left, celebrates with Tyreek Duren (3) and other teammates after hitting a layup with two seconds left to help La Salle defeat Mississippi, 76-74, in the third round of the NCAA tournament on Sunday.

By Gary Klein

March 27, 2013 12 AM PT

La Salle, located in Philadelphia, advanced to the Sweet 16 with a roster heavy with Philadelphia products.

Guards Tyreek Duren, Ramon Galloway, Tyrone Garland and forward Jerrell Wright all hail from the City of Brotherly Love. The Explorers rode their talent to NCAA tournament victories over Kansas State and Mississippi and into Thursday’s West Regional semifinal against Wichita State.

Galloway grew up in Philadelphia, attended high school in Florida and played at South Carolina before transferring to La Salle before the 2011-12 season.

Garland played at Virginia Tech before transferring home to La Salle in December 2011.

The three guards say they all play with a similar style honed on the playgrounds of Philadelphia.

“Tough and fearless,” Garland said. “Wherever we go, we have that Philly swag.”

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