TJ Power Leads Penn to Ivy League Championship and NCAA Tournament

On March 15, 2026, the University of Pennsylvania's men's basketball team achieved a significant milestone by defeating Yale University 88-84 in overtime to win the Ivy League championship. This victory marked Penn's first NCAA tournament appearance since 2018. The standout performance came from freshman forward TJ Power, who scored an Ivy Madness-record 44 points and secured 14 rebounds, solidifying his status as a key player in the tournament.

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Power's performance was pivotal in the game, particularly in the closing moments of regulation when he hit a crucial three-pointer with just one second left, tying the score at 75-75 and forcing overtime. In the overtime period, Cam Thrower contributed significantly, scoring five points, including a three-pointer that helped Penn take the lead. Power's two free throws in the final seconds sealed the victory.

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Fran McCaffery, in his first season as head coach of the Quakers, has made a remarkable impact on the program. After previously coaching at Iowa, where he led the team to seven NCAA tournament appearances, McCaffery has now taken five different programs to the NCAA tournament, joining an elite group of coaches. Under his leadership, Penn finished the season with an 18-11 record, exceeding preseason expectations where they were projected to finish seventh in the Ivy League.

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In addition to Power's historic scoring, Thrower added 19 points, while Yale's Trevor Mullin led his team with 22 points. Yale had a strong season, finishing with a 24-6 record, but could not overcome Penn's late-game heroics. Power's 44 points not only set a tournament record but also placed him among a select group of players who have scored 40 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a conference tournament championship game.

ESPNSports IllustratedPenn’s title game hero joins just 2 players in championship week historyUSA Today

This victory not only advances Penn to the NCAA tournament but also highlights the competitive nature of Ivy League basketball. The Quakers' win over the top-seeded Bulldogs demonstrates the unpredictability of tournament play and sets the stage for their upcoming challenges in March Madness.

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Fran McCaffery expressed pride in his team's performance, stating, "This group has shown resilience and determination all season long." He emphasized the importance of teamwork and the contributions from all players, particularly highlighting Power's exceptional talent.

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• “He’s the third D-I player this century with 40 points and 10 rebounds in a conference tournament championship, joining Stony Brook’s Jameel Warney in 2016 and Vermont’s Taylor Coppenrath in 2004,” — Jared Benson, Sports Historian

Penn’s title game hero joins just 2 players in championship week history

As the Quakers prepare for the NCAA tournament, their seed will be determined in the upcoming selection announcement. With a strong offensive strategy and a history of tournament success, Penn aims to make a significant impact in March Madness.

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