In the 1999-2000 men's basketball season, Penn and Princeton were tied for first place in the Ivy League, undefeated after six games.
The Quakers played host to the Tigers, and the winner would seemingly carry momentum into the second half of the season.
For Penn basketball coach and former professor Fran Dunphy -- who recounted the game to students during an informal Fox Leadership Series discussion Tuesday -- the situation was a crucial one.
Penn dominated the first half, leading 33-9 at intermission, but faltered in the second half, losing the game.
Afterwards, Dunphy faced one of his most challenging experiences as a leader -- what he called a "career-threatening" decision. Twelve players -- who Dunphy called his "sons for four years" -- were sitting in the locker room awaiting a speech that would somehow lift their spirits.
"What would you have said to the players?" he questioned those gathered at Tuesday's discussion.
After a mixed response -- ranging from "Take full blame for the loss as coach" to "Put on my coat and leave" -- Dunphy revealed his course of action.
"I took a step back, didn't go crazy and tried to reflect a little bit on the loss," Dunphy said. "I told them there are many lessons to be learned here.... There's nothing like the camaraderie and joy of winning -- but there are lessons to be learned in losing, too."
Dunphy encouraged the players to talk about their mistakes in the game and how they planned to improve in future games.
And the pep talk worked. Penn went on to beat Princeton in the second season matchup and win the Ivy League title.
That success was one of many that Dunphy addressed during his talk, which covered issues ranging from his future at Penn to the characteristics of a good leader.
Commenting on possible leadership styles, Dunphy said that he's worked in many programs -- including his high school and college alma maters, Malvern Prep and University of La Salle, respectively -- each of which had a different style of coaching.
"I'm not real warm and fuzzy," Dunphy said. "I want things done, I want to be successful and, more importantly, I want the players and the team to be successful.
"After you graduate, I'll be warm and fuzzy."
Dunphy has guided the Quakers to four Ivy League titles in the last five years, but according to him, more important than the championship rings is the experience of contributing to a common goal.
"Learning how to be on a team, sacrificing for others -- that lesson is invaluable," Dunphy said. "There are little things that you can do as a leader to help your team."
For example, when Penn scrimmages during practice, the losing side has to run sprints. Even after his side won, senior Ugonna Onyekwe opted to run with the losing team.
"There is a leadership quality in that, even without being very verbal," Dunphy said.
With six senior basketball players graduating this spring, one student asked Dunphy who would fill the leadership void next season.
"We have three seniors next year who are all leaders in different ways," Dunphy said. "One is verbal, one is very sacrificing and one is just an all-around tremendous human being."
Throughout the event, students also asked Dunphy about a number of other topics, including recent rumors that Penn State was considering him for its head coaching position.
"In our business, we always listen," Dunphy said. "I love being at Penn, though. I really do."
Dunphy also answered questions about Onyekwe's future in professional basketball.
"He's got a chance to be drafted," Dunphy said. "In my mind, if he decides to be a defensive maniac, he can be a tremendous player."
Those who attended the event seemed impressed with Dunphy's experiences and noted his strength as a leader.
"Dunphy brings everyone together," said College freshman Jason Oberman, who attended Tuesday's event. "The team seems so united on and off the court."
