Upcoming Battle: Penn Quakers vs. Drexel Dragons
PHILADELPHIA – The University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team is poised to compete for its first Big 5 title since 2018, as they embark on pod play against Drexel University. This highly anticipated matchup, known as the Battle of 33rd Street, is set for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, with tip-off scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Daskalakis Athletic Center.
Matchup Overview
Both teams currently boast impressive 2-0 records. The Quakers enter this game fresh off victories against King’s College and Delaware State, while the Dragons secured wins over Pitt and Marist in their recent outings.
Series History
In the all-time series between Penn and Drexel, the teams are tied at 14 wins apiece. However, the Quakers have been dominant lately, winning three consecutive games against the Dragons since December 2015. The last encounter at the DAC occurred in 2018 when Penn triumphed with a score of 55-39. The last time the Quakers lost to Drexel was in December 2014, at a score of 67-58.
Big 5 Pod Play Context
Penn returns to Big 5 pod play following an uneven season debut last year, where they finished 0-2 in their pod games. The format divides six prominent Philadelphia Division I schools into two pods. This season, Penn, Drexel, and Saint Joseph’s constitute Pod 1, while La Salle, Villanova, and defending champion Temple make up Pod 2. The initiation of pod play aims to enrich the competitive landscape of women’s basketball in the area.
Latest Performance
In their most recent game, Penn achieved a commanding 63-41 victory against Delaware State. After a close first quarter, the Quakers pulled away, showcasing a strong second quarter that featured a 20-6 run. Tina Njike led the scoring with a double-double consisting of 15 points and 12 rebounds. Other notable contributions came from Katie Collins, who added 8 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, while Saniah Caldwell chipped in 9 points. Penn demonstrated solid shooting performance, with 44% efficiency from the floor and an impressive 81% from the free throw line.
Season Opener Recap
Penn kicked off the 2025-26 season with a remarkable 105-31 win over King’s College at The Palestra. The Quakers showcased their depth, with thirteen players contributing to the score sheet. Collins emerged as the standout performer, netting 18 points in just 16 minutes of play.
Team Dynamics
Despite two crucial losses to graduation, the Quakers remain optimistic about the season ahead. Key returning players Mataya Gayle, Simone Sawyer, and Collins aim to lead the team effectively. Adding to this, Ese Ogbevire is set to return after her recovery from an ACL injury. Moreover, a talented freshman class is looking forward to making its mark this year.
Leadership and Coaching Changes
This season, Penn features five captains— a program record. The leadership group includes seniors Caldwell, Sawyer, Georgia Heine, alongside junior Gayle, and sophomore Collins. The coaching staff has seen some changes as well, with the addition of Ryan Weise and the promotion of Ashley Robinson to associate head coach.
Key Statistics
A notable trend observed in Penn’s performance revolves around scoring 60 points; the Quakers maintain a strong winning record of 163 out of 178 games when scoring at least 60 points in regulation. Conversely, their win rate declines significantly when they score below that threshold. This statistic underscores the importance of both offensive and defensive play for the Quakers.
For those interested in tracking the latest developments, more information can be found on the official social media channels and website of Penn Women’s Basketball, @PennWBB on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, as well as at PennAthletics.com.
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