Penn needs two victories this weekend against Dartmouth and Harvard in order to have any realistic chance oftying Princeton for the Ivy League title.
The Quakers (15-9, 8-3 Ivy) trail the Tigers (17-7, 10-1) by two games with three to play. In order for the Penn-Princeton game on March 9 to have any significance, either Harvard or Dartmouth will have to beat the Tigers this weekend.
Penn senior Jeff Schiffner hopes that next Tuesday's game against Princeton won't be his last in a Quakers uniform.
"We're hoping as much as we can [that Princeton loses], but obviously it's out of our control," he said. "We just need to take care of what we can control -- win two games this weekend -- and hope it works out."
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The Memphis, Tenn., native averages just over 13 points per game, which ranks 11th in the Ivy League. In Penn's last meeting with the Big Green, Pattman scored 22 points and grabbed five rebounds.
"He's a real good perimeter player and he'll probably end up winning Rookie of the Year," junior Tim Begley said. "I think we have the four best freshmen in the Ivy League, though."
In determining whether Pattman wins Rookie of the Year, should it matter that he plays for a 1-11 team?
"Not at all," Penn coach Fran Dunphy said. "If indeed he is the selection he would have absolutely earned it and deserved it.
"He's an outstanding player and his game is pretty polished for a freshman."
Pattman would certainly increase his chances of winning the award if Dartmouth defeated Princeton tomorrow night. In the teams' last meeting, the Tigers won by 16. Pattman was the only Big Green player in double figures, finishing with 18 points.
Dartmouth head coach Dave Faucher will also lead his team for the last time this weekend, which could prove to be yet another X-factor. Faucher announced his resignation from the program earlier this season.
Harvard (4-21, 3-9) took Princeton to double overtime in their first meeting this season, but the Tigers ultimately prevailed, 58-50. Junior guard Kevin Rogus, Harvard's leading scorer, tallied just five points on 1-for-9 shooting.
If the Princeton-Harvard game comes down to free throws, the Crimson may have a chance; Harvard leads the Ivy League in free- throw percentage, while Princeton ranks third.
Indeed, Penn can always hope.
"Princeton probably won't lose," Begley said. "But you never know."
Rather than waste time praying for a Tigers loss, the Quakers are focused on securing two victories this weekend.
"We just need to go out and play like we can," senior guard Charlie Copp said. "We haven't been as consistent as we should be."
Penn cannot overlook either opponent, even after defeating Harvard and Dartmouth by a combined 53 points earlier this season.
"We need to get off to a good start," Begley said. "Hopefully we won't be too overconfident."
Schiffner stressed the need for Penn to play strong defense and rebound.
"It's very important that we stop both teams, because that will help us to push out our offense a little bit and maybe get some easy looks on transition," he said. "Defensive rebounding will also be really important."
If Princeton loses one game this weekend and Penn wins both, the Quakers would need to defeat the Tigers at the Palestra on Tuesday. But most Penn students will be out of town for spring break by then.
"It's certainly disappointing that our student fans can't be here," Dunphy said. "I'm sure there will be some that stick around and give these guys the proper send-off, but it's definitely unfortunate."
Even if Princeton sweeps this weekend, Penn's final game will still be important for the team's seniors.
"We would like the opportunity to have the game mean something in terms of the standings and an NCAA Tournament bid," Dunphy said. "But it's going to mean a great deal anyway."
