The Explorers Celebrate Speedy Morris Night, Senior Night, and a Win Over Fordham
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 3/4/2026 –
There was so much to offer at the John E. Glaser Arena. It was the final home game of the season, Senior Night, a celebration for legendary La Salle Coach Bill Speedy Morris, and a thrilling 87 – 84 win over the Fordham Rams that broke a two-game losing streak and seven of the last nine games.
“When I got the job you hear of the impact of former coaches, especially those who had success at La Salle, and the name of Speedy Morris is the name that everyone knows,” said La Salle Coach Darris Nichols. “Our administration honoring him is special to us, special to the university and the impact he’s created on a lot of people. So to get a win on this night was huge.”
A Tribute to Speedy
At halftime former La Salle men’s and women’s coach Bill Speedy Morris was celebrated for his career at the school. He was lauded for not only his wins and accomplishments, but more so for what he has meant to his players, peers and people. Speedy is regarded as a coach, mentor, friend, and one who has helped many people in so many ways. All who had the pleasure and benefit of his presence.
Speedy won 281 games, 238 men’s and 43 women’s. He guided both the men and women to the NCAA Tournament.
During the celebration there were video salutations from fellow coaches; Fran Dunphy, Harry Perretta, Phil Martelli, present coaches Darris Nichols and Mountain MacGillivray. A video tribute from former assistant coach Rich Prendergast. And tributes from former players Lionel Simmons and Rich Tarr. His son Keith Morris provided the thank you from the Morris family.
The celebration concluded with a warm ovation for a man who meant something good to everyone he met.
The Game
La Salle got a much needed win in a thriller that was not decided until the final shot was launched. The team needed resolve and showed it.
“One of the biggest things we’ve been dealing with is how to respond to when we get punched in the face,” Explorers guard Truth Harris said. “Tonight, we did great. We were up 15 before half, and in the second half they went on a run. But we kept on fighting, kept on responding. we didn’t give up and that was the best thing. Everyone was talking, everyone was engaged, and that’s why we ended up getting out of a tough one.”
It was a game of runs. The Explorers went on the first run in the first half. Leading 33 – 24 the home team went on a 13 – 5 run to lead 46 – 29. Early in the run Fordham coach Mike Magpayo protested a call too vehemently. He was assessed a double technical and was ejected.
The Rams fought back. Eventually they took the lead at 73 – 72 with just over 7 minutes to play. The Explorers responded to lead by as many as seven points. Still the Rams did not go away and pulled to within just under a minute on the clock.
That last minute was a thriller. Rams forward Roor Akhuar drained a three-pointer to get his team to within 85 – 84. La Salle went to the free throw line but Jaden Johnson missed. On the following possession Rams guard Dejour Reeves committed an offensive foul at the 28.7 second mark. The Explorers turned the ball over on the inbounds play. Akira Jacobs missed a three. La Salle got their final points on two free throws by Rob Dockery with 11.1 seconds. One more chance for the Rams. Akhuar launched a three before the buzzer that was off the mark.
La Salle wins, and Coach Nichols went over to Coach Morris.
“It was special,” Nichols said. “The Morris family, how much they mean to the program, how they connect past and present through former players and our current players. It’s not just special to me tonight. Through the ups and downs of the season, they’ve always been there in that first row, and we appreciate that.”
Senior Night
Prior to the game Truth Harris, Josiah Harris, and Damon Strand were honored for their service to the program. It added to the emotion of the evening.
“It was definitely and emotional day, and thrilling also,” said Harris. “It was a good fight and I enjoyed every moment of it. I’ll remember it for a long time.”
“We definitely needed a win,” said Strand. “It was great to get blessed and honestly grateful.”
What the Numbers Say
La Salle (9 – 21, 5 -12) got 25 points from Dockery who made 11 of 12 free throws. Harris added 15 points while Ashton Walker contributed 16 points.
The Explorers made 21 of 23 free throws compared to the Rams making 8 of 9 from the charity stripe.
Fordham (16 – 14, 7 – 10) had four players in double figures led by Rikus Schulte who had 20 points and 11 rebounds. Abass Rodija scored 19 points while Reeves chipped in with 18 points. Guard Christian Henry handed out a career-high 10 assists. Akhuar scored 12 points.
Up Next
La Salle ends the regular season at city rival Saint Joseph’s. Fordham hosts Rhode Island.
The Atlantic 10 Tournament follows. La Salle is in 12th place while St. Joe’s is in a tie for 3rd place. Fordham sits in 8th place.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: glenn@phillycollegesports.com
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