Like many schools, Philadelphia University has a tradition of honoring senior athletes before their last home game.  The athletes are introduced with comments by their coach followed by an underclassman’s statement about the senior.

On Saturday this ritual happened on Herb Magee Court.  A unique circumstance was senior basketball player Amanda Brennan being honored with a tribute from her sophomore sister Kate.  Kate’s heartfelt connection with Amanda was beautifully articulated and emotionally charged.

Then the game was played. http://www.philau.edu/today/headlines/?p=543

In a triple overtime win the Brennan sisters each had career performances totalling 60 points.  The connection between these young women seemed to infuse the team with exceptional inspiration.  Let me be clear.  It was a team win with virtually everyone making a contribution to a 114-104 thrilling marathon.  Did the connection between these sisters, exhibited in the pre-game ceremony, correlate with the team’s performance?