PHOTOS: Gower Gladiators Take On Harlem Wizards in Close Game

Families in Burr Ridge came out to the gym to watch the Gower Gladiators take on the Harlem Wizards Tuesday night.

Started in 1962 by New York sports promoter Howie Davis,The Harlem Wizards are a professional basketball team that perform a style of show basketball that includes comedy, audience participation and fancy ball handling during the game. The team raises money for schools, non-profits and foundations all over the world, and the profits from tickets sold for Tuesday night's game went to benefit the Gower Parent Teacher Organization.

"We're here to raise money for the Gower Middle School," said Eric "Broadway" Jones before the game. "It's tough times for everyone, and so everybody needs to raise money, and what a fun way to do it, what an opportunity to have the family come together. Look at how excited the kids are, and the game's not even started yet."

The Wizards gained possession with the tip-off, and the fans cheered as the Gower Gladiators managed to regain possession to sink the first basket.

Debbie Bailey, a coach and PE teacher at Gower Middle School said this is the third time the Wizards have made an appearance at the school to play against the Gower team, which was composed of students and faculty members from both Tuesday night.

"They've been a lot of fun coming here. Every single year they get the audience members involved. It's nice to see the community come and support our PTO," said Bailey.

Excitement in the gym stayed high throughout the game, which was close all the way up to the end. Young Gladiators made some impressive baskets in front of an enthusiastic crowd. Final score of the game was 73 to 67 in favor of the Wizards.