The University of Pennsylvania men's basketball team is set to kick off its Big 5 pod play with a home game against Saint Joseph's on Monday, November 17. This match is the first in a two-game series, with the second occurring at Drexel on November 21. The performance in these games will influence participation in the Big 5 Classic set for December 6 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Both games will be broadcast on ESPN+ and in the Philadelphia area on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Historically, Saint Joseph's has the upper hand in the rivalry, winning their last five encounters against Penn.

By the Numbers
  • Penn has scored a record 119 points in their season opener against Rowan, setting a new program single-game record.
  • Ethan Roberts has maintained double-digit scoring across all three games this season, with a total of 62 points (an average of 20.7 points per game).
State of Play
  • Penn currently holds a record of 1-2, while Saint Joseph's boasts a 2-1 record.
  • Saint Joseph's defeated Drexel in their previous game, setting up a potential championship matchup if they prevail against Penn.
  • Monday's game will be the Quakers' first encounter against their former coach, Steve Donahue, since his departure to Saint Joseph's.
What's Next

If Penn secures a victory against Saint Joseph's, they will face Drexel, giving them a chance to reach the Big 5 Classic championship game. Both matches are pivotal for establishing the Quakers' standing within the Philadelphia basketball landscape.

Bottom Line

As the Quakers aim to regain competitiveness in the storied Big 5 series, Monday's game against Saint Joseph's is crucial for their momentum. Winning not only bolsters their chances for the Big 5 Classic but also serves as a statement against their historical rivals.