**2009–10 Ivy League Men’s Basketball Season**
The 2009–10 Ivy League men’s basketball season was the 56th season of Ivy League basketball, featuring eight collegiate teams competing in NCAA Division I basketball. The season culminated with Cornell University winning the Ivy League championship and earning an automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.
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## Overview
The 2009–10 Ivy League men’s basketball season marked another competitive year in one of the NCAA’s most academically prestigious conferences. The Ivy League, consisting of Brown, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Harvard, Penn, Princeton, and Yale, does not hold a postseason conference tournament; instead, the regular season champion receives the league’s automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The season ran from November 2009 through March 2010, with teams playing a 14-game conference schedule, facing each opponent twice.
Cornell University emerged as the dominant team during the season, capturing the Ivy League title with a strong conference record. The Big Red’s success was built on a balanced roster and effective coaching, continuing their rise as a competitive force in Ivy League basketball.
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## Teams
The Ivy League’s eight teams for the 2009–10 season were:
– Brown University Bears
– Columbia University Lions
– Cornell University Big Red
– Dartmouth College Big Green
– Harvard University Crimson
– University of Pennsylvania Quakers
– Princeton University Tigers
– Yale University Bulldogs
Each team played a double round-robin schedule, facing every other team once at home and once on the road.
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## Regular Season
### Standings
Cornell finished the season atop the Ivy League standings with a conference record of 12–2, securing the league championship. The University of Pennsylvania and Princeton University were competitive but ultimately fell short of overtaking Cornell.
The final Ivy League standings were as follows:
| Team | Conference Record | Overall Record |
|————|——————-|—————-|
| Cornell | 12–2 | 29–5 |
| Penn | 10–4 | 22–9 |
| Princeton | 9–5 | 22–9 |
| Harvard | 7–7 | 16–14 |
| Yale | 6–8 | 14–15 |
| Columbia | 5–9 | 10–18 |
| Brown | 3–11 | 10–18 |
| Dartmouth | 2–12 | 10–18 |
### Key Games and Moments
Cornell’s success was highlighted by several key victories, including wins over traditional Ivy League powers Penn and Princeton. Their ability to win close games on the road was a significant factor in their championship run.
Penn and Princeton battled for second place, with Penn ultimately securing the runner-up position. Harvard showed signs of improvement under head coach Tommy Amaker, posting a .500 record in conference play.
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## Team Performances
### Cornell Big Red
Cornell’s 2009–10 team was led by head coach Steve Donahue, who emphasized a disciplined, team-oriented style of play. The Big Red’s offense was balanced, with multiple players contributing in scoring, rebounding, and assists. Cornell’s defense was also a strength, often limiting opponents’ scoring opportunities.
The team’s overall record of 29–5 was one of the best in school history, and their 12–2 Ivy League record secured the league title outright.
### Penn Quakers
The University of Pennsylvania, coached by Glen Miller, finished second in the league with a 10–4 record. The Quakers were known for their strong defense and experienced backcourt players. Despite falling short of the title, Penn remained a formidable opponent throughout the season.
### Princeton Tigers
Princeton, under head coach Sydney Johnson, continued to employ their signature disciplined offense and strong defense. The Tigers finished third in the league with a 9–5 record, maintaining their status as a perennial Ivy League contender.
### Harvard Crimson
Harvard, coached by Tommy Amaker, showed progress during the season, finishing with a 7–7 conference record. The Crimson’s improvement was a sign of the program’s upward trajectory, which would continue in subsequent seasons.
### Other Teams
Yale, Columbia, Brown, and Dartmouth struggled to achieve winning records in conference play, with Dartmouth finishing last at 2–12. These teams faced challenges in competing against the league’s top programs but gained valuable experience for future seasons.
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## Individual Honors and Awards
### Ivy League Player of the Year
The Ivy League Player of the Year award for the 2009–10 season was awarded to Ryan Wittman of Cornell. Wittman was a prolific scorer and a key contributor to Cornell’s championship run. His leadership and offensive skills made him one of the most outstanding players in the league.
### All-Ivy League Teams
The All-Ivy League First Team included standout players from various schools, recognizing the top performers in the conference. Alongside Wittman, other notable players included:
– Ibrahim Jaaber (Penn) – Known for his defensive prowess and playmaking ability.
– Dan Mavraides (Princeton) – A versatile forward with scoring and rebounding skills.
– Kyle Casey (Harvard) – A rising star who contributed significantly to Harvard’s improved performance.
### Coach of the Year
Steve Donahue of Cornell was named Ivy League Coach of the Year for leading the Big Red to the league championship and one of the best records in school history.
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## Postseason
### NCAA Tournament
As Ivy League champions, Cornell received the conference’s automatic bid to the 2010 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Big Red were seeded 12th in the Midwest Region.
In the first round, Cornell faced the 5th-seeded Temple Owls. Cornell won the game 78–65, marking a significant upset and advancing to the Round of 32. This victory was a highlight of the Ivy League’s postseason performance.
In the second round, Cornell faced the 4th-seeded Wisconsin Badgers. The Badgers defeated Cornell 71–64, ending the Big Red’s tournament run. Despite the loss, Cornell’s performance was widely regarded as a success and a testament to the strength of Ivy League basketball.
### Other Postseason Tournaments
No other Ivy League teams received bids to the NCAA Tournament or the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) in 2010.
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## Statistical Leaders
### Scoring
Ryan Wittman (Cornell) led the league in scoring, averaging approximately 18 points per game during conference play. His offensive consistency was a key factor in Cornell’s success.
### Rebounding
Cornell’s forward Jeff Foote was among the top rebounders in the league, providing the Big Red with a strong presence in the paint.
### Assists
Ibrahim Jaaber (Penn) was the league leader in assists, orchestrating the Quakers’ offense with his playmaking skills.
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## Impact and Legacy
The 2009–10 Ivy League men’s basketball season reinforced Cornell’s position as a dominant force in the conference during that era. Their NCAA Tournament victory over Temple was a significant achievement, highlighting the competitiveness of Ivy League basketball on the national stage.
The season also marked continued progress for programs like Harvard, which would go on to become a major contender in subsequent years. The performances of players like Ryan Wittman and Ibrahim Jaaber left lasting impressions and contributed to the league’s reputation for producing skilled, intelligent basketball players.
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## Summary
The 2009–10 Ivy League men’s basketball season was characterized by Cornell’s championship run, strong individual performances, and competitive play across the conference. Cornell’s success in the NCAA Tournament brought national attention to the league, while other programs laid the groundwork for future growth. The season exemplified the balance of academic excellence and athletic competition that defines Ivy League basketball.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 2009–10 Ivy League men’s basketball season saw Cornell University win the league title and advance to the NCAA Tournament, highlighting a competitive year in Ivy League basketball. Key players and coaches contributed to a memorable season marked by strong performances and significant achievements.