Pennsylvania's TJ Power stole the show at The Palestra, scoring 18 points and grabbing 7 rebounds to lead his team to a 61-60 win over Princeton. The Quakers' victory was a reflection of their resilience, as they withstood a late Princeton surge to secure the narrow win. At halftime, Pennsylvania held a 10-point lead, 35-25, but Princeton fought back in the second half, outscoring the Quakers 35-26.
TJ Power's 18 Points Mark His 5th Game This Season with 15+ Points
Jacob Huggins was a bright spot for Princeton, scoring 14 points and collecting 6 rebounds. His efforts, along with Malik Abdullahi's 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Jackson Hicke's 10 points and 9 rebounds, kept the Tigers in contention until the very end. Despite their valiant effort, Princeton ultimately fell short, dropping to 8-15 on the season.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets and neither able to gain a significant advantage. AJ Levine added 13 points for Pennsylvania, while Augustus Gerhart chipped in with 8 points. The Quakers' balanced attack was the difference, as they were able to withstand Princeton's second-half push.
CHD Scout Report Card
CORRECTPredicted
Final
CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Pennsylvania winning by 1.9 points, and the final margin of 1 point was a reflection of the accuracy of that forecast. The predicted score of 74-72 was not realized, but the essence of the prediction – a narrow Pennsylvania win – was spot on.
As the season enters its final stretch, this win is crucial for Pennsylvania's tournament resume. The Quakers improved to 11-10 on the season, and this victory counts as a Quadrant 4 win. While not the most impressive victory, it is still a win that Pennsylvania needed to stay on track. For Princeton, the loss is a Quadrant 3 defeat, which, while not devastating, does little to enhance their tournament profile.
The implications of this result are clear: Pennsylvania remains in the hunt for a strong finish to the season, while Princeton's chances of making a deep postseason run took a hit. As the Ivy League season heats up, every game counts, and Pennsylvania's narrow win over Princeton will be a crucial factor in determining the final standings.