Pennsylvania's TJ Power stole the show at Leede Arena, leading his team to an 84-74 win over Dartmouth. Power's impressive outing, which included 27 points and 8 rebounds, was the difference-maker in a game that saw both teams trade baskets throughout. The Quakers' victory was fueled by a strong second-half performance, where they outscored the Big Green 46-36.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams struggling to gain a significant advantage. Pennsylvania and Dartmouth entered the break tied at 38-38, setting the stage for a thrilling second half. Connor Amundsen, Dartmouth's top performer, scored 18 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Quakers' balanced attack. Amundsen's efforts were complemented by Jackson Munro's 15 points and Kareem Thomas's 13 points and 6 rebounds, but the Big Green's offense ultimately fell short.
On the other hand, Pennsylvania's offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Power and Ethan Roberts forming a deadly duo. Roberts chipped in with 25 points, while AJ Levine added 14 points and 5 rebounds to the Quakers' cause. The visitors' ability to score from both inside and outside was too much for Dartmouth to handle, as they pulled away in the final minutes to secure the 10-point win.
The victory is a significant one for Pennsylvania, as it marks a Quadrant 3 win for the Quakers. With a current net ranking of 189, Pennsylvania want to build on this momentum as they continue their season. On the other hand, the loss is a Quadrant 4 defeat for Dartmouth, which could have implications for their tournament chances. The Big Green, currently ranked 234 in the net rankings, must regroup and refocus if they hope to make a push for postseason play.
As the season wears on, games like this will become increasingly important for teams like Pennsylvania and Dartmouth. The Quakers' ability to win on the road against a decent opponent will undoubtedly boost their resume, while Dartmouth must bounce back from this loss to avoid falling further behind in the standings. With the win, Pennsylvania moves to 9-9 on the season, while Dartmouth falls to the same record. The Quakers' victory may not have been an upset, but it's a significant result that will have repercussions for both teams as they navigate the remainder of their schedules. The outcome of this game will be a key factor in shaping the tournament chances of both Pennsylvania and Dartmouth, and it will be interesting to see how they respond in their upcoming games.