The 2009-10 men’s basketball season has been record-breaking — just not the kinds of records the Quakers want to be setting.
School records for the longest-ever losing streak (10 games) and worst defeat (59 points) have set a new low as the Red and Blue have struggled through a 1-11 start.
And with last Wednesday’s 60-45 loss to No. 16 Temple, Penn has now tied a program-high 11-game Big 5 losing streak — a loss tomorrow will set yet another low-mark for the program.
But the team’s first victory at Maryland, Baltimore County Jan. 6 and its solid performance against the Owls last week may have finally provided Penn with some much-needed momentum.
The Quakers seem confident that their recent success will carry into tonight’s game against La Salle at the Palestra.
According to sophomore guard Zack Rosen, the recent success is “proof that we’re going about things the right way.”
Though La Salle (9-8, 0-1 Big 5) has traditionally fallen a rung below the Quakers (1-11, 0-2) on the Big 5 ladder — the Explorers are the only Big 5 team with a losing record against Penn — the past years may have signalled a shift in the balance of power.
After a six-year Penn winning streak, the past two contests have resulted in narrow La Salle victories. Last year, an eight-minute scoreless drought in the first half doomed the Quakers. Guard Rodney Green poured in 26 points to lead the Explorers to a 79-70 victory.
Now a senior, Green was selected as a member of the preseason first-team All-Atlantic 10 squad and has not disappointed. His 18.1 points per game are third in the conference, while his 4.1 assists are fourth.
However, La Salle’s strength lies in its big men, led by freshman Aaric Murray. The rookie was ranked as a top-10 recruit at his position last year, and he has certainly lived up to the hype, already earning A-10 Rookie of the Week honors twice.
And Murray seems to be coming into his own just as the Explorers begin conference play.
In the past four games — all A-10 showdowns — Murray has averaged 16.25 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game. In the team’s 67-63 loss at Richmond Saturday, the freshman posted a double-double, with 19 points and 15 rebounds
Murray could be a lot to handle for the Quakers, who are missing several key players due to injury. Among them is junior Tyler Bernardini, who was the leading scorer for Penn in last year’s game against La Salle. He is joined by center Andreas Schreiber, and sophomore Larry Loughery who have also been officially ruled out for the remainder of the season. Backup Mike Howlett is also out indefinitely.
Juniors Conor Turley and Jack Eggleston, then, will be tasked with limiting Murray’s production.
But the Explorers are not without injuries themselves. Starting guard Kimmani Barrett missed the team’s last two games with a sprained right foot, though the team hopes he will be able to return against Penn.
Furthermore, key contributor Terrell Williams has been suspended for the rest of the semester due to a violation of university policies.
The Quakers, however, are not overemphasizing the specifics of how to stop La Salle.
Rather, with only two games left before they begin the Ivy schedule, they are doing their best to improve their own play.
“We’re focusing on ourselves, not them,” junior Dan Monckton said. “We’re working on limiting our mistakes.”
And if the Quakers can do that while maintaining their momentum from the past two games, they may put an end to their historic Big 5 skid. And ending the string of losses to city rivals could be the first beacon of light in what has thus far been a disappointing season.
Sports editor-elect Calder Silcox contributed reporting to this article. This article has been corrected to reflect the fact that Mike Howlett has not yet been ruled out for the season. While he is currently out on injury, his return date is still uncertain.
The Daily Pennsylvanian is an independent, student-run newspaper. Please consider making a donation to support the coverage that shapes the University. Your generosity ensures a future of strong journalism at Penn.
DonatePlease note All comments are eligible for publication in The Daily Pennsylvanian.
