EDITORIAL & OPINION: Hurrah for the Red and the Blue

Penn and Princeton meet at the Palestra tonight in the 199th chapter of their rivalry. Need we note that this is not just another game? Were nothing more than pride at stake, this game would still be special. In sports and life, rivalries -- the Montagues and the Capulets, Hatfields and McCoys, Celtics and Lakers, Ali and Frazier -- transcend their participants, producing something not soon forgotten. Penn and Princeton have already fought their share of spectacular contests. It is not too much to hope that another awaits us tonight. But far more than pride goes to the victor of this 199th game between the two schools. In 36 of the last 40 seasons, either Penn or Princeton has gone home with the Ivy League title. This home-and-home series is the closest thing we have to a league championship. And, of course, only the league champion makes it to the NCAA Tournament. The setting for tonight's game -- the magnificent Palestra -- does the rivalry proud. Philadelphia's "basketball cathedral" has been described any number of times, perhaps best by Dallas sportswriter Joe Rhoads: "The Palestra is a place with magic in the air. There are other great gyms, other great crowds. But they are not the Palestra. It is the best basketball gymnasium in the country -- by far." With both Penn and Princeton undefeated in conference play, both well on their way to winning seasons, the stage is set. And so: away with dispassionate judgements and cold-blooded analyses. Without rhyme or reason, we submit our impassioned hurrah for the Pennsylvania Quakers. Not just because Penn is the better team. And for better reason than our distaste for Princeton orange. No, this game is about school spirit. About shouting yourself hoarse repeating words we won't print here. And stomping up and down until the bleachers shake and the walls of the Palestra echo with noise. And storming the court in celebration. Those lucky enough to have tickets, go and scream for the Red and the Blue. Those without, take pride in your school and your team -- the cream of the Ivy League. And to the 12 student-athletes suiting up for tonight's game: Go Quakers!