News Summary
The University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team suffered a 77-60 defeat against defending Ivy League champion Yale. This loss resulted in an even overall season record for Penn while solidifying Yale’s first position in the Ivy League. Despite strong performances from players like AJ Levine, the Quakers struggled with shooting efficiency and defense. Yale demonstrated a well-rounded game, showcasing their offensive strengths and rebounding capabilities, which contributed significantly to their victory.
Philadelphia
University of Pennsylvania Men’s Hoops Falls to Defending Champion Yale, 77-60
The University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team experienced a 77-60 defeat at the hands of defending Ivy League champion Yale on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at their home court, The Palestra. This loss shifts Penn’s overall season record to an even 9-9 and their conference standing to 2-3 within Ivy League play. Conversely, Yale’s commanding road victory boosts their overall record to an impressive 15-3 and places them firmly in sole possession of first place in the Ivy League with a 4-1 conference record.
Game Flow: Early Challenge and Yale’s Decisive Run
The contest began with an even exchange of baskets, featuring five ties and eight lead changes during the initial phase of the first half. The Quakers remained competitive, trailing by a narrow margin of 29-28 with just under four minutes left before the halftime break. However, the Bulldogs then initiated a pivotal 11-2 scoring run to conclude the half, extending their lead to 40-30 as teams headed into the locker rooms.
Entering the second half with a ten-point deficit, Penn attempted a comeback. They managed to reduce Yale’s lead to only four points with approximately 14 minutes remaining in the game. Any hopes of a full rally were quickly subdued as Yale swiftly responded with a five-point run, re-establishing a comfortable lead and maintaining control for the remainder of the game. The Quakers were unable to consistently string together offensive plays and critical defensive stops needed to challenge Yale further.
Penn’s Individual Efforts and Team Struggles
Sophomore guard AJ Levine led the charge for the University of Pennsylvania, delivering a notable all-around performance. He tied for the game’s highest scoring honors with 17 points and was exceptional in distribution and defense, leading all players with seven assists and four steals. Levine also contributed four rebounds. Joining him in double-digit scoring were TJ Power and Ethan Roberts, both adding 12 points. Power was also instrumental on the boards, grabbing a team-high seven rebounds and dishing out four assists, while Roberts secured six rebounds and two assists.
Despite these individual efforts, the Quakers’ offensive efficiency as a team proved challenging. Penn matched their season low in scoring with 60 points, a figure previously recorded in a loss to Hofstra earlier in November. The team’s shooting percentages reflected these struggles, as they converted only 38% of their field goal attempts (21-55) and a modest 28% from beyond the three-point arc (7-25). Free-throw accuracy was also a concern, with Penn making just 11 of 18 attempts, equating to a 61% success rate. This issue was highlighted by Penn Coach Fran McCaffery, who indicated that missed free throws hindered the team’s ability to initiate their press defense effectively.
On the defensive end, Penn did achieve a season-high eight blocked shots. Augustus Gerhart accounted for three of these blocks, Lucas Lueth added two, and TJ Power, Ethan Roberts, and Dalton Scantlebury each contributed one.
Yale’s Dominant Performance
Yale showcased a well-rounded and effective game plan, contributing to their victory through efficient offense and strong rebounding. Nick Townsend and Trevor Mullin were the primary offensive threats for the Bulldogs, each recording 17 points. Isaac Celiscar delivered a double-double performance with 12 points and a game-high 12 rebounds, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court. Additionally, Casey Simmons provided 14 points for Yale.
The Bulldogs’ shooting was particularly strong, converting 45.9% of their total field goals (28-61) and an impressive 41.2% from three-point range (7-17). Their precision extended to the free-throw line, where they were nearly flawless, sinking 14 of 16 attempts for an 87.5% success rate. Yale also held a significant advantage in rebounding, outrebounding Penn 42-28. Their disciplined play generated 12 points off turnovers and a notable 15 assists, underscoring their cohesive team play.
Conference Landscape and Future Games
The win solidifies Yale’s position as the preseason favorite and a strong contender, placing them at the top of the Ivy League standings. For the University of Pennsylvania, now under the guidance of first-year head coach Fran McCaffery, the loss leaves them in a three-way tie for fifth place in the Ivy League alongside Columbia and Cornell, all holding 2-3 conference records. The Quakers will aim to recover from this setback as they embark on a challenging two-game road trip through New York next weekend, with matchups against Columbia on January 30 and Cornell on January 31.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What was the final score of the Penn vs. Yale men’s basketball game?
- The final score was Yale 77, Penn 60.
- When and where did the game take place?
- The game occurred on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at The Palestra in Philadelphia.
- Who were the top scorers for the University of Pennsylvania?
- Sophomore AJ Levine led Penn with 17 points. TJ Power and Ethan Roberts each contributed 12 points.
- What are the current records for Penn and Yale after this game?
- Following the game, Penn’s overall record is 9-9 (2-3 Ivy League), while Yale’s overall record is 15-3 (4-1 Ivy League).
- Did any Penn players achieve a season-high during the game?
- Yes, Penn set a season-high with eight blocked shots during the game.
Game Summary: Penn vs. Yale (January 24, 2026)
| Statistic | Yale | Penn |
|---|---|---|
| Final Score | 77 | 60 |
| Halftime Score | 40 | 30 |
| Overall Record (After Game) | 15-3 | 9-9 |
| Ivy League Record (After Game) | 4-1 (1st Place) | 2-3 (T-5th Place) |
| Field Goal % | 45.9% (28-61) | 38% (21-55) |
| 3-Point % | 41.2% (7-17) | 28% (7-25) |
| Free Throw % | 87.5% (14-16) | 61% (11-18) |
| Rebounds | 42 | 28 |
| Assists | 15 | 13 |
| Points off Turnovers | 12 | Not specified for Penn in summary |
| Leading Scorers | Nick Townsend (17), Trevor Mullin (17) | AJ Levine (17) |
| Notable Performances | Isaac Celiscar (12 pts, 12 reb) | AJ Levine (7 ast, 4 stl); 8 Team Blocked Shots (Season High) |
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