The Jadwin Effect

Pop quiz, sports fans: What are the only three DI schools whose men's and women's basketball teams are still undefeated at home?1. Duke (home of the reigning NCAA men's champions and a damn good women's program)2. McNeese State University (the Cowboys and Cowgirls, terrors of the Southland conference, collegiate home of Joe Dumars)3. PRINCETON UNIVERSITY!That's right -- our basketball teams have won every game this year played in the friendly confines of Jadwin Gym. The Lady Tigers (defending Ivy League champs) are 7-0 at home. The men, meanwhile, are 10-0 at home, and an impressive 7-0 during the recent home stand that culminated with last night's overtime victory against Ivy League pseudo-rival Penn.So what gives? Do the Tigers actually gain an advantage when playing at home this year, or do we just have two really good teams who happen to have random statistical success at home?Well, one of the most stunning features of the men's home record is the number of overtime victories. The Tigers have won all three games at home that went to extra time. Meanwhile, away from Jadwin, both the men and women have lost OT games on the road.Coincidence? Entirely possible. But it could also be that when our guys need a little extra juice to close out a win, home court advantage is enough to propel them to victory. If the mark of a great home court is not the blowout wins, but rather the nail biters, then Princeton seems to have something good going for it.The men end their home stand and travel to NYC to start the weekend, but the women look to keep the streak alive Friday night at 7 p.m. against Columbia. Let's give these guys everything we can -- they're certainly giving us plenty to cheer for.