News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team earned a crucial 91-81 victory against Cornell, snapping a three-game losing streak while halting Cornell’s three-game winning streak. Penn established an early lead and showcased impressive team performance with six players scoring in double figures. Despite a strong second-half rally by Cornell, led by Cooper Noard’s 28 points, Penn’s timely offense and free-throw shooting secured the win, placing both teams in a competitive position in the Ivy League standings.
ITHACA, N.Y.
The University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team secured a vital 91-81 road victory against Cornell on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Newman Arena. The Quakers started strong and successfully held off a determined second-half rally from the Big Red. This win snapped Penn’s three-game losing streak and halted Cornell’s three-game winning streak, leaving both teams with identical 10-10 overall records and 3-4 marks in Ivy League play. The victory places both Penn and Cornell just two games out of first place at the midway point of the conference season.
Penn established an early advantage, never trailing in the contest. The Quakers built a significant lead in the first half, scoring 49 points and leading by as many as 23 points. Their efficient perimeter shooting was a key factor in this initial surge, with the team hitting 8-of-15 attempts from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes. Despite Penn’s dominant first half, Cornell managed to close the period with a 10-1 run over the final 2:12, reducing the deficit to 14 points (49-35) at halftime.
Key Performances Lead the Way
Michael Zanoni spearheaded Penn’s offense with 19 points, shooting an efficient 6-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-4 from three-point range, and converting all four of his free throws. He was joined by several other key contributors who scored in double figures. Ethan Roberts added 17 points and five assists, while AJ Levine contributed 15 points and six assists. Augustus Gerhart was also highly effective, scoring 13 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting from the field. TJ Power also reached double digits with 11 points and led the team with six assists. Dalton Scantlebury chipped in 12 points. In total, six Penn players scored in double figures, marking the first time since 2015 that the Quakers achieved this balanced scoring effort.
Cornell’s Resilient Rally Falls Short
Cornell mounted a strong comeback in the second half, driven by improved shooting and defensive pressure. The Big Red trimmed their 23-point deficit to as few as two points. Senior Cooper Noard was instrumental in Cornell’s rally, leading the team with 28 points, including 6-of-12 from three-point range, and pulling the Big Red within 69-67 with 7:30 remaining in the game. Classmate Jake Fiegen also had a strong performance for Cornell, adding 23 points and four rebounds. Senior Adam Hinton scored 13 points and junior Jacob Beccles finished with 12 points, four assists, and four steals. Cornell shot 50 percent from the field in the second half and made 14-of-33 from beyond the arc for the game.
Sealing the Victory
Despite Cornell’s persistent efforts, Penn responded to every challenge. The Quakers relied on timely baskets and strong free-throw shooting down the stretch, converting 19-of-25 foul shots in the second half to regain control and secure the victory. Penn also held an advantage on the glass, outrebounding Cornell 36-26. The Quakers finished the game shooting better than 55 percent from the field overall, and 47.4 percent from three-point range.
Implications for the Ivy League Standings
This road win was crucial for Penn, improving their overall record to 10-10 and their Ivy League record to 3-4. Cornell also stands at 10-10 overall and 3-4 in conference play, having their three-game winning streak snapped. The Ivy League standings are competitive, with Yale and Harvard currently tied for first place with 5-2 conference records, followed by Dartmouth and Princeton at 4-3. Columbia, Cornell, and Penn are all tied at 3-4, while Brown is at 1-6. This win positions Penn in a tie for fifth place in the Ivy League as they head into the second half of conference play, just two games behind the leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- When did Penn defeat Cornell in men’s basketball?
- Penn’s men’s basketball team secured a vital 91-81 road victory against Cornell on Saturday, January 31, 2026.
- What was the final score of the Penn vs. Cornell game?
- The final score was Penn 91, Cornell 81.
- Where was the game played?
- The game was played at Newman Arena in Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell’s home court.
- Who was the top scorer for Penn?
- Michael Zanoni led Penn’s offense with 19 points.
- How many Penn players scored in double figures?
- Six Penn players scored in double figures, marking the first time since 2015 that the Quakers achieved this balanced scoring effort.
- What was Cornell’s strongest effort in the game?
- Cornell mounted a strong comeback in the second half, trimming their 23-point deficit to as few as two points.
- Who led the scoring for Cornell?
- Senior Cooper Noard led Cornell with 28 points.
- What are the current Ivy League standings for Penn and Cornell?
- Both Penn and Cornell currently hold identical 10-10 overall records and 3-4 marks in Ivy League play.
Game Highlights and Key Statistics
| Category | Penn (Quakers) | Cornell (Big Red) |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 91 | 81 |
| Game Date | January 31, 2026 | January 31, 2026 |
| Location | Newman Arena, Ithaca, N.Y. | |
| Leading Scorer | Michael Zanoni (19 points) | Cooper Noard (28 points) |
| Double-Figure Scorers (Penn) | 6 (Zanoni, Roberts, Levine, Gerhart, Power, Scantlebury) | 4 (Noard, Fiegen, Hinton, Beccles) |
| First Half Score | 49 | 35 |
| Second Half Score | 42 | 46 |
| Field Goal Percentage (Overall) | >55% | N/A (50% in 2nd Half) |
| Three-Point Percentage (Overall) | 47.4% (8-of-15 in 1st Half) | 14-of-33 (42%) |
| Free Throws Made/Attempted (2nd Half) | 19-of-25 | N/A |
| Rebound Advantage | Penn (36-26) | N/A |
| Overall Record | 10-10 | 10-10 |
| Ivy League Record | 3-4 | 3-4 |
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