Columbia's women's basketball team achieved a significant win against No. 24 Princeton, solidifying their position at the top of the Ivy League. This victory not only completed a clean sweep of their season series against a formidable opponent but also demonstrated the team's resilience and strategic prowess, especially in overcoming an early deficit.
The commanding performance was highlighted by individual brilliance and collective effort, allowing the Lions to seize control of the game in the second half. This win is a testament to their improved form and sets a strong precedent for their pursuit of the regular-season title, underscoring their potential to dominate the conference.
Lions Secure Dominant Victory and Ivy League Advantage
Columbia's basketball squad delivered an impressive performance, decisively defeating Princeton with a final score of 70-56. This critical win marked a season sweep over the nationally-ranked No. 24 Tigers, a feat that significantly strengthens Columbia's standing in the Ivy League. The game saw Perri Page achieve a new career high with 25 points, with a remarkable 15 of those points coming in the second half, showcasing her pivotal role in the team's offensive surge.
Alongside Page's stellar contribution, Riley Weiss added 23 points, including four successful three-pointers, further boosting the Lions' scoring power. The team's victory was a result of a compelling comeback, as they trailed by 11 points in the first half but rallied with an exceptional 22-10 run in the third quarter. This crucial period allowed Columbia to establish a lead they maintained until the end, effectively securing the tiebreaker for the Ivy League regular-season championship and highlighting their robust team dynamic and clutch performance under pressure.
Second-Half Surge Fuels Columbia's Sweep of Princeton
The encounter between Columbia and Princeton was a display of strategic basketball and remarkable resilience, culminating in Columbia's 70-56 triumph. The Lions, initially facing an 11-point deficit, orchestrated a powerful comeback, particularly dominating the third quarter with a 22-10 run that ultimately turned the tide. Mia Broom's timely three-pointer was a turning point, providing Columbia with a 42-39 lead that they never surrendered, illustrating their ability to perform under pressure and execute key plays.
Princeton, despite Fadima Tall's 16 points and Olivia Hutcherson's 12 points and seven rebounds, struggled to contain Columbia's revitalized offense and robust defense in the latter half. Columbia's dominance extended to rebounding, where they significantly outrebounded Princeton 43-25, led by Fliss Henderson's 12 boards, showcasing their physical superiority and control of the paint. This comprehensive victory, marking two of Princeton's three losses this season, firmly positions Columbia as a leading contender for the Ivy League title, demonstrating their growth and strategic advantage over their rivals.
