Penn fencing has an advantage that no other varsity team at the school can boast — the men and women go head to head in practice.

The message-sending win, whose shockwaves would resonate throughout the Big 5? Ruined. The Quakers’ hopes of finally completing the victory that would revive basketball on this campus? Vanished. For a collection of players so determined to mesh into an elite team, the game wasn’t supposed to end the way it did.

Close games and parity are rampant within the Ivy League, but this year Penn was afflicted by what is becoming the Ivy’s least predictable sport.

With speculation that the Big 5 could be in its final days, this throwback game couldn’t have come at a better time.

Penn’s wrestling team got off to a successful start Sunday, placing a total of eight wrestlers on the podium at Binghamton University’s Binghamton Open.

In the men’s swimming season opener, Penn fell to Columbia in nail-biting fashion, 154-146, Friday night at Sheerr Pool.

In the earliest Big 5 game in history, the Quakers will host the Owls’ season opener Monday night at the Palestra. SEE ALSO: Penn defeats UMBC in season opener

Penn women’s basketball was prepared for a battle in its opener against St. Francis. But the Quakers weren’t exactly expecting an overtime nail-biter against a team that’s never beaten them.

Ready to add the final touch to an illustrious collegiate career in the backfield, Penn senior defender Tommy Brandt looked like Lionel Messi on Saturday.

In the first quarter, I saw two championship teams. In the second quarter — and third and fourth, as well — I only saw one.

The Harvard Crimson captured the Ivy League championship Saturday afternoon with a 37-20 rout of Penn. MEGAN SOISSON: Harvard deserves all the credit for championship effortTHE BUZZ: Guest blog from 2011 football alum Bradford BlackmonTHE BUZZ: Harvard: The Good, Bad and Ugly

Penn’s defense forced 14 turnovers in the first half alone en route to the 59-45 win. RELATED: Penn set to take on Big 5 heavyweight Temple

One pair of brothers grew up in the prototypical basketball environment. The other rarely even encountered the sport in their home country. Yet both the Cartwrights and Joks found their callings in basketball, which has carried them to unforeseen heights.

Jerome Allen’s story is one of humility, immense success and the willingness to adopt the best qualities of those around you.

It hasn’t been easy being a fan of Penn men’s basketball over the last few years, considering that Red and Blue supporters used to take NCAA tournament trips for granted. As rough as it has been, though, imagine the last few seasons without Zack Rosen.

College basketball coaches learn of potential recruits from a variety outlets, but the gym custodian isn’t usually one of them.

Forty years ago, Penn took part in one of college soccer’s greatest games when it knocked off two-time defending Ivy champion Harvard, 5-2.