The University of Pennsylvania men’s basketball team is ready to jump into Ivy League play in 2026. Their first challenge? A showdown against their long-time rivals, Princeton.
Game Details
- Matchup: Penn (7-6) vs. Princeton (4-11)
- Date: January 5, 2026, at 7 p.m.
- Location: Jadwin Gym, Princeton, NJ
- Where to Watch: Stream on ESPN+ or listen on the Quaker Audio Network.
A Historic Rivalry
This is the 253rd meeting between Penn and Princeton, and it’s a tight series: 126 wins each. But Princeton has been on a winning streak, claiming 13 victories in a row. The last Penn victory was back in 2018 when they claimed the Ivy title.
The matchup this Monday is historically early in the season—it’s the first time they’ve met in January since 2020.
A Changing Ivy League Schedule
This season’s Ivy League structure has flipped from the past two years. Penn will tackle five of their first seven league games on the road. It’s a twist that could make or break their season early on.
Key Player Stats
- Ethan Roberts leads the team with an average of 18 points per game but has been sidelined with an injury.
- TJ Power is making a splash with four double-doubles this season. He averages nearly eight rebounds per game, ranking second among Ivy players.
- AJ Levine has been impressive, averaging four assists per game, which puts him in the top tier of Ivy players.
Recent Trends
Broadly, the Quakers have seen a huge uptick in three-point shooting, standing at 39%—ranking 20th nationally. In social media circles, fans are buzzing about their enhanced shooting abilities and how it could affect their Ivy League standing.
Final Thoughts
As the Quakers gear up for the next chapter in their season, this game against Princeton is a pivotal moment. A win could boost their confidence as they dive deeper into the league schedule.
For further updates on Penn men’s basketball, follow @PennMBB on X (formerly Twitter) and check out PennAthletics.com.
