This year, it has taken just three Ivy games for the Red and Blue to pick up two losses, making this weekend’s games must-wins.

Fran Dougherty is likely out for the year with a dislocated shoulder. Steve Rennard is likely out for the year with a torn plantar fascia. And Penn basketball can use this as a learning opportunity.

With Fran Dougherty out for the year, Cam Gunter, oft unnoticed by both fans and media alike, may be just who the Quakers need to get back on their feet and back into the Ivy League race.

A wide-open Ancient Eight stands ripe for the taking, and nearly any team stands a chance to claim it. It just won’t be Penn.

Cornell held on for a 71-69 victory over Penn Saturday on the strength of 20 points and perfect 8-for-8 shooting from senior forward Errick Peck.

From the moment that junior guard Miles Cartwright got the ball in his hands Friday night, the game was clearly on. He had that fire in his eyes that fans saw in Zack Rosen last year and others who have donned the Red and Blue in years past.

In Friday’s Ivy home-opener at the Palestra, Penn (4-15, 1-1 Ivy) was able to clinch the win, 62-58, over Columbia after a struggle to maintain the close lead to the final buzzer.

With the return of Fran Dougherty and the recent success of Darien Nelson-Henry, Penn will have the challenge to contain Columbia’s solid three-point shooting a year after Penn’s last-second win.

Since the beginning of the new year, Jamal Lewis’ production has dropped significantly. He has taken notice of this but still remains optimistic about his development.

Despite coming into the season with just four career points, Lucas-Perry has made a big impact for the Quakers this season in a small role. The sophomore guard has played a pivotal part in two of Penn’s three victories, contributing 15 points against UMBC and scoring the final five points against NJIT.

After opting to have surgery in his freshman year at Penn, sophomore forward Greg Louis returned to the hardcourt, and one year later than expected, he finally began his college career.

As junior forward Fran Dougherty returns to play in Penn’s Ivy home opener Friday night against Columbia, the question becomes what does Doc’s return really mean for the Quakers.

Just as one shouldn’t praise Jerome Allen solely due to last season’s 20-13 finish, one should also not judge him based on Penn’s current 3-15 campaign.

The Quakers are capable of playing every team in the Ancient Eight close, and they have the experience they’ve gained in the non-conference, including a tough Big 5 schedule, to thank for that.

Highlight reels show that Matt Howard can finish at the rim with an emphatic dunk. But according to ESPN, his offensive prowess truly lies in his well-developed mid-range game and disciplined decision-making. Perhaps his high basketball I.Q. should come as no surprise for a player with multiple AP courses under his belt.

If Penn wants to find success in Ivy League play, Miles Cartwright will have to continue to take control.

To coach Jerome Allen, his teammates and definitely in his own eyes, Brooks should look to be more aggressive as he works back from his knee injury.