PRINCETON - Everything was set up for Penn basketball to set the tone for the remainder of Ivy League play, to capture a win over its biggest rival in an arena that had been a house of horrors for over half a decade. But suddenly, the opportunity was gone.

The Big Five is always a tough challenge for Penn Basketball and Tuesday was no exception, as La Salle built an early lead and held on for a 84-67 win over the Quakers.

Tennessee has certainly not been kind to Penn's basketball teams this season. The Red and Blue's two basketball programs have both traveled to the Volunteer State to take on SEC opponents over the past month.

Photographs from Penn basketball vs. Marist on Dec. 9, 2014. Photos by Thomas Munson.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The past two seasons, Penn basketball has come up short against Wagner when it mattered most, failing to execute with the game on the line and then coming up short in overtime. But this year’s 64-61 loss to the Seahawks hurts so much more. The Quakers came out like gangbusters in this one, shooting 11-for-18 in the first half.

Through the first half, Penn and Temple played a close and physical game, as the Owls take a 44-37 lead into the break.

By the time Penn basketball finishes its game at the Palestra on Saturday, it will likely feel comfortable playing in front of a friendly crowd. But it better not get used to it.

Fans can hate on Nelson-Henry and Louis for their lack of consistency all they want but at the end of the day, they are what keeps Penn from having to go to a frontcourt of only freshmen with sophomore forward Dylan Jones out for the game in street clothes.

Small ball can win baseball games, but it doesn’t usually work out in the world of college basketball. With its big men relegated to the bench thanks to early foul trouble, Penn basketball was reminded of that fact the hard way against Rider.

The one constant between both Penn men's and women's basketball coming out of the weekend are the growing pains that come with young squads.