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Penn Quakers Return to NCAA Tournament, T.J. Power Shines

3/16/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The University of Pennsylvania earned an automatic National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament bid by winning the Ivy League championship.
T.J. Power set a tournament record with 44 points.
The win marks Penn's return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.
The Quakers will face third-seeded Illinois in the first round.
Villanova University men's and women's teams qualified for March Madness, ending a Big 5 absence.

History

Historical Context

The University of Pennsylvania last qualified for the NCAA Tournament in 2018 after winning the Ivy League Championship, defeating Harvard 68-65 at the Palestra. This marked a significant moment for Penn, revitalizing its basketball program and reigniting local rivalries, particularly within the Big 5, as they prepare to face Illinois, reflecting a broader resurgence in collegiate athletics.

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Story summary

The University of Pennsylvania earned an automatic National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Tournament bid by winning the Ivy League championship.
T.J. Power set a tournament record with 44 points.
The win marks Penn's return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2018.
The Quakers will face third-seeded Illinois in the first round.
Villanova University men's and women's teams qualified for March Madness, ending a Big 5 absence.

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