Penn-Yale: A centennial celebration

The season-long tribute to Penn basketball's centennial will culminate this weekend with a number of festivities planned for the Yale game Saturday night, February 15. Penn played Yale in the last game of its inaugural season 100 years ago, losing 32-10 in the first five-on-five game ever played. The game marked the dawn of the modern era of basketball. In commemoration of this historic anniversary, the top 10 scorers in Penn history have been asked to toss an honorary tip-off prior to the start of each home Ivy League game. Friday night's game versus Brown will feature Ron Haigler, who starred for the Quakers from 1972-75, amassing 1,522 career points -- earning him the No. 3 spot on the school's all-time scoring list. Saturday night's matchup against Yale will feature a pair of '70s Penn greats, as Bob Morse and Tony Price return to the Palestra. A prolific shooter, Morse was the leading scorer for three years on teams which compiled records of 25-2, 28-1 and 25-3. Morse's senior season, Penn finished ranked as the No. 2 team in the nation. "I'm privileged to be a part of this occasion," Morse said. "It is a real privilege to share this moment with so many great players." While Morse starred on the teams of the early '70s, Price bookended the decade, leading Penn to the 1979 NCAA Final Four, where the Quakers eventually succumbed to a Magic Johnson-led, and eventual champion, Michigan State team. For his part, Price was the tournament's leading scorer, tallying 142 points during the tournament, surpassing the numbers put up by future NBA greats Johnson, Larry Bird and Mark Aguirre. On Saturday night, fans will be treated to a number special promotions to commemorate the season-long centennial celebration Fans will receive a free souvenir centennial poster, featuring Penn basketball greats such as Ernie Beck, who holds the school's single-game scoring record, and Dick Harter who played for the Quakers in the early '50s and coached the 1970-71 team to a No. 3 ranking in the final Associated Press national poll. Traditional keepsake pennants will also be given away with the price of admission, which will only be 25 cents for children 12-and-under accompanied by a paying adult. Fans will also be treated to throw-back prices on concessions, which include soft drinks, hot dogs and Cracker Jacks. Penn basketball-history buffs will also have the opportunity to view Penn basketball memorabilia, jerseys and photographs at a reception preceding the game.

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