Penn Takes Sole Possession of the Top-Spot in the Ancient Eight 79 – 57 Over Yale
PHILADELPHIA, PA 1/21/2023 –
Every game is important in the Ivy League. It takes on added importance when playing the team that is tied at the top with your team. The University of Pennsylvania responded with a key win 79 – 57 over the Yale Bulldogs at the Palestra, and goes 5 – 1 in the conference.
“There was an emphasis that this is a must win for us,” said Penn guard Kayla Padilla. “They got us both games last season and we recognize each game is important, especially with teams that are fighting for those four spots in the tournament.”
The Quakers were led by Padilla with 21 points, and Jordan Obi who had 20 points. While they were the leaders, however Penn got a full team effort as eight players scored. Guard Sydney Caldwell scored a season-high 16 points. The combination of Padilla and Obi led the way combining for 16 of 26 shooting and 5 assists.
“I think our offensive execution was really on point,” said Padilla. “Everyone was looking to score. And a shout out to Sydney who really was a spark for us on both sides of the floor, especially for her aggression to attack the basket in this game.”
Forward Floor Toonders scored only two points, but she had a game-high 10 rebounds, in assists handing out 4, and in blocked shots swatting away three. Toonders is becoming a great complementary player for the Quakers.
“She is perfect for this group,” said Penn Coach Mike McLaughlin. “She defends well. She takes up areas of the floor that needs to be covered especially around the rim. She rebounds the ball. She can score when the opportunities are there. She is a perfect fit for us.”
The game turned in the direction of Penn in the third quarter who outscored Yale 22 – 12. The key run was early in the quarter as The Red and Blue went on a 13 – 5 run over the first five minutes.
What the Numbers Say
The Red and Blue outrebounded the Eli 39 – 22.
Jenna Clark led Yale with21 points making 8 of 14 from the floor and 5 of 9 from beyond the arc. She had a game-high 6 assists.
Up Next
Yale goes to Princeton next week. Another critical game for the Bulldogs as they are tied with the Tigers at 4 – 2.
Penn travels to Harvard and culminates the four-games in succession schedule against the upper echelon of the Ivy League. But the team can take some time to enjoy winning the game after their first league loss.
“You get knocked down, you got to get up in this sport,” McLaughlin said. “I thought we really responded this week and got better. I thought it was a great effort.’
“We wanted to send a statement that one loss isn’t going to get to us,” Padilla said.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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