Lycoming News

The University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team faced a tough challenge against Ivy League leader Yale on Saturday night at The Palestra. Despite staying competitive for most of the game, Penn fell to Yale with a final score of 90-61.

Penn managed to close the gap to 12 points with less than six minutes remaining, thanks to a putback layup by Ethan Roberts. However, Yale responded strongly, outscoring Penn 23-6 in the final minutes and securing their victory.

This loss drops Penn's overall record to 6-13 and their Ivy League record to 2-4. In contrast, Yale remains unbeaten in the league with a 6-0 record and is 13-6 overall.

Penn committed nine turnovers during the game, which Yale converted into 13 points. In comparison, Penn only scored five points off Yale's 11 turnovers. The Quakers did manage to make ten three-point baskets for the fourth consecutive game, totaling 53 over the last four contests.

Ethan Roberts led Penn in scoring with 19 points and shared team-high honors in rebounds with Bradyn Foster, both grabbing five each. Sam Brown was another key contributor for Penn, scoring 13 points and making three rebounds and three assists.

Nick Spinoso faced foul trouble but still managed eight points and four assists in nearly 28 minutes of play. Freshman AJ Levine added nine points along with two rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

For Yale, Nick Townsend scored 23 points and secured nine rebounds. John Poulakidas contributed with a perfect performance from the foul line, scoring all nine attempts as part of his total of 21 points. Bez Mbeng added another strong showing with 19 points and four assists.

Yale started strong by keeping Penn scoreless for over four minutes at the beginning of the game while building an early lead that grew significantly before halftime. Although Penn showed resilience by closing within seven points late in the first half, Yale quickly extended their lead again.

Looking ahead, Penn will conclude its current homestand next Friday against Princeton in what will be their 251st meeting at The Palestra.