The stampede was on -- even before last night's Penn-Princeton men's basketball game at the Palestra.
The contest would decide the Ivy League title.
If the Quakers were victorious, an unprecedented three-way tie for the championship with Princeton and Yale would be created, and a two-game playoff to decide the recipient of the Ivies automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament would occur.
And if the Tigers won, Princeton would return to the NCAAs for the second straight season.
As a sea of 8,000 some odd Red and Blue fans made their way up Locust Walk to the Palestra, it was clear that the Quakers supporters were ready to do their part in giving Penn the edge on its home floor.
Faces painted, assorted Princeton-bashing shirts donned, there was only one thing on the mind of the Penn faithful as they headed toward the 33rd Street Mecca.
"I feel very confident in this team," College sophomore Ben Siscovick said.
"This team's been on a roll, and we're going to continue tonight by destroying Princeton for a second time," Siscovick added, referring to the previous meeting of the arch-enemies this season.
Former Penn basketball stars also got into the spirit of the final home game of the season.
"There wasn't as much hoopla as when I played," said Edward Graminga, a Penn guard from 1952-54 and three-time letter winner. "They've been playing so well, I just can't believe this team lost three games."
Even Penn administrators got into the pre-game Princeton taunting.
"They'd better win this one," said Walter Licht, College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean. "I was up at Princeton, and I witnessed that slaughter.
"Even for a Princeton grad, it was great," he said.
While the Penn fans were fired up before the game, it seemed that many took a while to get into the contest as the Quakers struggled to get on the scoreboard.
When Penn was held scoreless for the first seven minutes, the Red and Blue fans grew tired of chanting "Let's go Quakers!" and started groaning with each successive missed shot.
It took Koko Archibong's baseline jumper 6:17 into the contest -- Penn's first basket of the game -- to reawaken the Palestra crowd.
After the game's third media timeout with 7:59 remaining in the first half, and Penn holding a meager 10-6 lead, the capacity crowd could barely contain its excitement.
"It's awesome now," College junior Michael Adler said. "We were struggling for a little but now we're on a roll."
It was a Quakers' roll that would continue right up until halftime, as Penn maintained a 24-19 advantage.
Despite a three-pointer by Princeton guard Ahmed El-Nokali at the buzzer, a deafening cheer still ushered the home team into the locker room.
"It's just unbelievable in this place," College freshman David Katz said. "There's no better place to play in the world. And 8,722 screaming fans -- what could be better?"
The only thing that had the chance to be better than 8,722 fans in their seats, was 8,722 fans storming the Palestra hardwood after a Quakers' victory.
As Penn expanded its lead in the second half, it seemed only a matter of time before the fans would empty the stadium rafters to celebrate the Ivy League championship.
But first, it was senior Dan Solomito's chance to endear himself to the Penn faithful for his final time. After entering the game with 32.2 seconds left, on his first offensive touch, Solomito thrust a two-fisted slam dunk through the Palestra net.
The multitude exploded after Solomito's dunk, climaxing when the frenzy ultimately spilled onto the floor after the final buzzer sounded with Penn on top, 64- 48.
"I've got two words for you," Wharton and College sophomore David Goldstein said. "Puck Frinceton."
