Lycoming News

The University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team began their three-game tour in Croatia with a 72-61 victory over KK Dubrovnik's senior team on Saturday night. The Quakers were initially trailing 19-14 after the first quarter and were still behind by five points late in the first half. However, a 9-0 run allowed them to lead 35-31 at halftime. They extended their advantage to ten points in the third quarter, finishing that period ahead 54-44, and maintained control throughout the final quarter.

Cam Thrower led Penn's scoring efforts with 19 points, including three three-point baskets. Nick Spinoso contributed with 13 points and nine rebounds, narrowly missing a double-double. Augustus Gerhart scored 11 points while Ed Holland added ten points—nine of which came in the second quarter—and six rebounds. Although George Smith did not score, he provided a team-high five assists along with three rebounds.

KK Dubrovnik competes in Croatia's Premijer Liga and concluded this season ranked seventh with a record of 15-18. Their campaign ended following a sweep by Split in the Croatian Basketball Championship quarterfinals.

This game marked the first of three matches for Penn during their Croatian tour, which commenced with an overnight flight from Philadelphia to Dubrovnik via Frankfurt. The Quakers will travel to Split on Sunday morning for a Monday night game against KK Kaštela from Prva Liga. Their final match is scheduled for Thursday night against KK Dubrava Furnir Zagreb in Zagreb.

During their stay, the team has experienced guided tours of Dubrovnik's Old City, visited Lopud Island via boat, and enjoyed panoramic views from a cable car ride overlooking Dubrovnik and the Adriatic Sea.

In Split, they plan to attend Game 3 of the Croatian Basketball Championship between Split and Zadar on Tuesday—a matchup known as the "Dalmatian Derby." Additionally, they will explore Split’s ancient city sites such as Diocletian's Cellars entrance, partake in river tubing on Cetina River in Dalmatia’s hinterlands, and have lunch at Plitvice Lakes National Park en route to Zagreb.

While visiting Zagreb for three days before returning to Philadelphia on June 1st afternoon, Penn will enjoy walking tours featuring highlights like the Museum of Illusions.

This marks Penn's second international trip under head coach Steve Donahue; previously visiting Italy back in May 2019.

For updates about Penn men’s basketball follow @PennMBB across X (formerly Twitter) & Instagram or visit PennAthletics.com online.