For instance, the vents are connected between Locker Room 4 (typically used by the visiting team) and a makeshift officials’ locker room next door.

Late in the 2008 season, Steve Donahue brought his undefeated Cornell team to the Palestra. A former longtime assistant coach under Dunphy at Penn (1990–2000), Donahue was winless in his first seven return trips to the Palestra. This Cornell team was different, though. Led by Louis Dale and Ryan Wittman, it came in 20-5 overall and 12-0 in the Ivy.

Penn might’ve pulled the upset if not for some late controversy. Down two in the final moments, Quakers guard Tyler Bernardini drew contact on a last-second 3. The ball sailed wide and, with everyone waiting for a whistle, only the final horn blared. Cornell players raced off the court as Penn players, coaches and fans erupted in anger.

As Donahue and his players tried piling into Locker Room 4, an irate Steve Bilsky, the Penn athletic director, ran through the crowd to get at the officials. He busted into the referees’ changing room and unleashed a tirade. What he didn’t know is that next door, Donahue and his staff were shushing their players, quelling the celebration, so that they could enjoy the rant through the vents.

“It was hilarious,” Donahue says.

Penn might’ve pulled the upset if not for some late controversy. Down two in the final moments, Quakers guard Tyler Bernardini drew contact on a last-second 3. The ball sailed wide and, with everyone waiting for a whistle, only the final horn blared. Cornell players raced off the court as Penn players, coaches and fans erupted in anger.