The Tigers Showed Why They Are Seeded 1st in the Ivy, Handles Penn 105 – 83
PHILADELPHIA, PA. 3/9/2024 –
The last game of the regular season. The University of Pennsylvania ends its season, and no better way to end it by beating their archrival the Princeton Tigers. And it is Senior Night for the Quakers. Princeton locked up the number one overall seed in Ivy Madness, but it is Penn – Princeton. The game mattered for Old Nassau as they defeat the Quakers 105 – 83 on Penn’s Senior Night. Princeton goes on as the team to beat in Ivy Madness behind a career-high 32 points from sophomore forward Caden Pierce. Penn will finish 7th in the Ancient Eight. Princeton is the outright champion for the third consecutive year.
“They exposed some things for us that has been an issue, guarding three’s, and I thought they were ready for tonight,” said Penn Coach Steve Donahue.
Record Setting Day
Pierce was successful on 11 of 17 field goal attempts and converted 9 of 7 from the free throw line. He added 2 three-pointers and a game-high tying 9 rebounds. His 11 baskets are his collegiate-best. On the Penn side guard Tyler Perkins set the single-season record for a freshman with 181 points moving past AJ Brodeur on the list. Perkins scored 17 points and had a team-equaling high of 6 caroms.
Three-Point Madness for Princeton
The Tigers came into the game shooting 35.2% from beyond the arc and averaged 10 made three’s per game. They easily beat that mark setting a season-best draining 17 and made 63% of their 29 attempts. Forward Zach Martini made 5 of 7 from distance on his way to 23 points, a collegiate-best. Six Tigers made at least two from beyond the arc.
Fast Start Hurts Penn
Princeton got out to an 33 – 18 lead within the first twelve minutes. Nine of their 11 baskets were three-pointers. This made Penn, who scored on the inside, play uphill.
“I’m disappointed our defense didn’t do a better job there,” Donahue said.
In the second half the Tigers long distance shooting was limited, but they got to the basket making 14 of 24 shots from inside the arc. The Quakers adjusted to the three-point line, but the Tigers found ways to score.
“It’s funny,” said Donahue. “They didn’t stop us either. That’s the crazy part. I thought Pierce was the key throughout. You slip up and Martini made you pay. We came out at halftime and tried to adjust, but still didn’t do the adjustments that I hoped for.”
What the Numbers Say
Princeton set a season-high in points scored and it is the most points allowed by the Red and Blue. A lethal combination.
Clark Slajchert headed the Quakers with 20 points while Nick Spinoso scored 17. Sam Brown added 10 points. Penn was successful on 31 of 55 field goal attempts, but could sink only 4 of 20 from distance.
Senior Night
Prior to the game the school honored the senior managers and players; Clark Slajchert, Colin Chambers, and Andrew Laczkowski.
Written By: Glenn Papazian
Contact: Glenn@PhillyCollegeSports.com
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