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Sports History: 120th Year Anniversary of Penn-Yale Game

By George Kondoleon

Dec 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Banners of the Philadelphia big five hang in the rafters at Palestra before a game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Banners of the Philadelphia big five hang in the rafters at Palestra before a game between the La Salle Explorers and the Villanova Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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120 years ago, the Penn Quakers played in the first known intercollegiate basketball game against Yale.

Basketball is quickly turning into one of the most popular sports in the world, thanks to the increased level of excitement due to hyperactive athletes. People all around the world are now enjoying the game of basketball, with European leagues growing and producing more NBA-level talent. It may never surpass soccer, but it certainly is near the top sport in the world.

Today marks the 120th anniversary first known inter-collegiate basketball game between the Penn Quakers and Yale. Two Ivy League combatants would unknowingly tip-off to what would be a historic moment in the history of sport. It was the first 5-on-5 game that would serve as the foundation for how basketball would be played.

The Penn Quakers fell to Yale in a 32-10 rout, in what was imaginably a hilariously different game than what we see now. But 120 years later, Penn played in the first ever Ivy League tournament, has 23 tournament bids, and one finals appearance. As they look to move forward towards the future, today is a perfect day to look back and appreciate the history of basketball.

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That Penn Quakers-Yale game is what gave us the game we all enjoy today. It was the predecessor to the NBA and the March Madness Tournament. To the domination of Wilt Chamberlain. To the historic eight-year run of the Boston Celtics. To the dynasties of the Lakers, Bulls, and Spurs. To a game that has seemed to change with every decade.

The first ever intercollegiate 5-on-5 game is an important date for any basketball fan or player. It’s basketball’s Christmas. If you look around the current landscape of basketball, it’s amazing to think that from a simple game played between two Ivy League schools came a game that has seen over 100 international players from 41 countries play in the game’s highest league, the NBA.

In 120 years, basketball manifested from the east coast of the United States, to almost every developed country in the world. All though the home country dominates the game still, the gap in talent is starting to shrink. It’s a testament to the creation of James A. Naismith’s vision, and how easy it is to fall in love with the game.

A tip of the hat goes to the Penn Quakers, despite being held to just 10 points, for being apart of the start to the long journey of basketball.

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