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Penn defeats Harvard, 82-74, in vibrant Palestra

For many Penn players, their game against the Harvard Crimson was their first college experience with a true home crowd advantage.

Pennsylvania Quakers guard Jelani Williams (5) passes teh ball while Harvard Crimson guard Noah Kirkwood (10) defends in the first half of a game at the Palestra in Philadelphia on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. Penn won, 82-74.
Pennsylvania Quakers guard Jelani Williams (5) passes teh ball while Harvard Crimson guard Noah Kirkwood (10) defends in the first half of a game at the Palestra in Philadelphia on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022. Penn won, 82-74.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer

The Palestra’s atmosphere reverted to its natural form on Saturday afternoon when Penn men’s basketball (11-12, 8-2 Ivy) defeated Harvard (11-10, 3-6 Ivy) at home, 82-74.

Penn extended its win streak to five in front of 2,776 fans.

The game marked the Quaker’s first Ivy League contest without COVID-19 spectator capacity restrictions at the Palestra since the 2019-2020 season. For the 10 players on the Quaker’s roster who are in their initial year, this was their first time experiencing home-court advantage to its full effect.

Students, fans, and the band peppered the stands with black t-shirts, and the team sported their black uniforms, in support of Equality and Inclusion Night hosted by Rising Coaches DEI Alliance.

Penn’s win sealed a 2-0 series sweep against the Harvard Crimson, boosting Penn to second behind Yale in the Ivy League standings.

Contested second half

Penn entered the second half leading 44-31 before Harvard closed the gap with a 9-2 run in the first three minutes of the half.

The run was halted by a layup from junior forward Michael Moshkovitz and two Harvard turnovers that led to baskets by the team’s top-scoring sophomore guard, Jordan Dingle.

The final two minutes decided the game. A pair of threes from Dingle and freshman George Smith put Penn ahead by six. The lead was sealed by five made free throws from the Quakers.

Career day for Dingle

Dingle scored a career-high 33 points in 37 minutes. The game marked his fourth 30-point campaign all season, third in Ivy League play.