Penn downs 'Nova, reignites the Big 5 magic

The magic is back.

For the last few years, the power and mystique of one of the great traditions in Philly sports - The Big 5 - had been largely reduced to Villanova and four other teams.

The Wildcats, on their way to capturing two national titles, were making a mockery of the City Series.

Villanova had won 26 straight games against Big 5 rivals Penn, La Salle, Saint Joe's and Temple.

Until last night.

The Penn Quakers upset No. 17 Villanova, snapping the Wildcats' gaudy run of superiority and breathing new life into one of sports' special traditions - Big 5 hoops.

Making it even more special was the fact that it took place in one of the most treasured locales in all of sports, the Palestra on the Penn campus.

And of course, as always, there is a special Delco angle.

Penn is coached by Springfield product Steve Donahue.

Terry Toohey was there to capture the magic.

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