SAN ANTONIO (AP) - In their simple convent, where rows of chairs are arranged in front of a television and a crucifix, the 23 nuns of the Salesian Sisters of Mary Immaculate Province put aside their pleas for the sick and the poor to pray for the San Antonio Spurs.

With basketball players' names pinned to white smocks beneath their habits, the sisters faithfully gather at game time in the convent's community room, yelling "Make that basket!" and "C'mon!"

"We pray for them to win, but we also pray for them to continue their sportsmanship," said Sister Sandra Neaves, head of the order in the Western U.S.

"We make a lot of noise in that room," laughs Sister Angelina Gomez.