I have to give props to my boys, as the Penn Quaker's men's basketball team won another Ivy League title over the weekend. That's number 23, for those counting. They clinched it with wins over Cornell and Columbia this past weekend, using dominant second halfs to seal the deal. That makes them the first team in the nation to clinch a spot in the NCAA Tournament, another sign of how dominant they were in the Ivies.
This one is sweet, as the team was picked to finish anywhere from second to fourth by the "experts", most seeing this as a rebuilding year. But, after a slow start, things took off before the Ivy League season started. The two guards, senior Tim Begley and sophmore Ibby Jaaber, lead the way, providing consistent offense, smothering defense and a steady hand for an inexperienced team. It is a shame that these two won't play together for a few more years, as I think that they would have ended up being mentioned in the same breath as Jordan-Langel (not Allen-Maloney, as no one will make it to that level in my opinion). Dick Jerardi makes the Michael Jordan comparison in his college basketball round-up, a weekly must-read for hoops fan who want to read the best.
Again, congragulations to Fran Dunphy and the team, as it must feel good to prove the naysayers wrong. Another banner in the Palestra, and a chance to play in the Big Dance in March. Keep it rolling, boys, as we will be there with you.
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