Yale Athletics

On Saturday night, the Yale men’s basketball team (14–6, 7–0 Ivy) will face the Princeton Tigers (16–6, 5–2 Ivy) for the second time this season.

But first, they’ll have to get through Penn (6–14, 2–5 Ivy) on Friday night. Yale took down the Quakers 90–61 in their Feb. 1 matchup, and are listed as a whopping 18 point favorite ahead of Friday’s matchup. 

If the Bulldogs can take care of business against Penn, they’ll remain undefeated heading into a much tougher Saturday game against the Tigers.

Yale currently sits two games ahead of Princeton, with a perfect 7–0 record within Ivy League play. The Tigers on the other hand sit at 5–2, having lost to Yale already earlier this season. With these two teams at one and two in the league, their second matchup is likely the most important game remaining in regular season play. 

Round One

The last time these two faced off in New Jersey, John Poulakidas ’25 put on a show that made the Princeton crowd go silent. One single fadeaway was enough to kill the Tigers’ momentum and propel the Bulldogs to the top of the scoreboard.

Defensively, Bez Mbeng ’25 and Nick Townsend ’26 were all over Caden Pierce and Xaivian Lee, the Tigers’ star shooters. The Bulldogs held Pierce to just five points and Lee to two, effectively shutting down the Tiger attack.

Containing Lee

The Princeton offensive game plan isn’t a difficult one to figure out, as the Tigers run everything through star guard Xaivian Lee. The shifty guard has the ability to change a game in an instant and many teams end up having to double-team him to try to prevent that. 

However, the Bulldogs have the unique luxury of rolling out the best defensive player in the Ivy League: Bez Mbeng. Mbeng dominated the matchup in the first meeting between the two and is sure to relish the chance to solidify his case for a third consecutive Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year award against Lee. 

Home Cooking

The John J. Lee Amphitheater has been a difficult place for opponents all year, picking up a reputation as one of the hardest gyms to play at in the Ivy League. Carrying a perfect 7–0 home record into this weekend, the team is well aware of the crowd they’re sure to draw on Saturday night.

“Our home environment is unrivaled in the Ivy League and it is because of the awesome fans and supporters of the team,” fan favorite Jack Molloy ’25 said. “They pack JLA, and we thrive off of the energy that the crowd brings every weekend.”

Poulakidas Turns Up The Heat

In college sports, nothing is certain. Yet in this season, one of those near certainties is John Poulakidas. He’s been consistent all season long and is sure to do damage with the three-ball. 

Shooting more than 45 percent from three on the season, Poulakidas seems to be gathering strength even after being named last week’s Ivy League Player of the Week. The 6’6” senior has gone over 20 points in each of Yale’s last three games and will look to keep his form going on Saturday night. 

Primetime Coming Soon

With all of the makings of a classic, this Saturday is sure to be a showdown that can’t be missed. With all presale student tickets sold out and a near-capacity crowd expected, the John J. Lee Amphitheater will open 30 minutes earlier than typical in order to try to fit everyone in. 

For those unable to attend in New Haven the game will also be televised nationally on ESPNU.