Penn men’s basketball will play a total of 26 games this year, almost evenly split between non-conference and Ivy League opponents. But not all matches are created equal. On the brink of the Quakers’ season tipping off, here are five of the most important games this season.
November 15 vs. Saint Joseph’s
Penn’s second home game of the year is against a local rival. In the second year of a revamped Big Five format, this game against the Hawks is Penn’s only one in the traditional city competition which will be hosted in the historic Palestra. Last year, St. Joe’s won 69-61 at home, but the Quakers will be looking to defend their home court in this matchup. It should also be a crucial early test for Penn, allowing the Quakers to see how this year’s team stacks up against the one from last year.
December 9 at VCU
Last year the Rams finished second in the Atlantic 10 Tournament and made it to the third round of the NIT. But during the regular season, they were especially strong at home, finishing with a 13-6 record at the Siegel Center. This is where the Quakers will head for the final game before a finals-season break. Coming immediately after the Big 5 Classic, this game will give coach Steve Donahue and his staff a benchmark of how the team has performed so far, as well as lessons and areas of improvement for the second half of the season.
January 11 at Dartmouth
This season, the Quakers will open their Ivy League season on the road. While Dartmouth finished last in the Ancient Eight a season ago and was picked to do the same this year, every win matters in conference play. As Penn looks to finish in the top half of the conference standings and qualify for the Ivy League Tournament, starting 1-0 against Ivy foes will be crucial.
January 31 vs. Brown
On the first night of a back-to-back games, Penn will welcome the Bears to the Palestra. Last season, Brown finished fourth in the Ancient Eight standings, and they are expected to be in the same range this year. With the first tiebreaker in the conference standings being head-to-head records, a win in this match could have extra importance. But to do that, the Quakers will need to stop the Bears’ two leading scorers from last year, guard Kino Lilly Jr. and forward Nana Owusu-Anane.
March 8 at Princeton
As is tradition, the Quakers will conclude their season against rivals Princeton. Even though this match will be away from home, there will be plenty on the line. Beyond the obvious of beating its heated rival, Penn could have everything to play for in this final game of the season. A berth in Ivy Madness would potentially be on the line, and — nearly as importantly — the Quakers could be seeking to deny the Tigers the same or even a conference title. On the last day of the regular season, ending with a victory would always be a benefit.
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