PRINCETON, N.J. — In a tightly contested Ivy League matchup, Columbia University secured a 75-65 victory over Princeton University on Saturday, bolstering their position in the conference standings. Blair Thompson led the Lions with 14 points, shooting an efficient 6 for 8 from the field, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc, according to game statistics provided by the Associated Press.
The win improves Columbia's record to 15-9 overall and 4-6 in Ivy League play, a crucial step for a team looking to climb the ladder in the competitive conference. Princeton, meanwhile, drops to 8-17 overall and remains at 4-6 in the Ivy League, highlighting their struggles this season despite a balanced scoring effort from their key players.
Thompson's performance was a standout for the Lions, who relied on balanced scoring to pull away in the second half. Miles Franklin contributed 12 points, going 4 for 10 from the field and 2 for 6 from three-point range. Mason Ritter added 11 points and five rebounds, shooting 4 of 8 from the field but struggling at the free-throw line with 3 of 7 makes.
For Princeton, the Tigers kept the game close early on, but Columbia's defensive adjustments in the latter stages proved decisive. Dalen Davis paced Princeton with 19 points and four assists, showcasing his playmaking ability. Jackson Hicke followed with 18 points, providing a strong scoring threat throughout the contest.
Malik Abdullahi rounded out the double-digit scorers for the Tigers with 14 points and seven rebounds, offering valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. The Associated Press reported these statistics based on data from Sportradar, underscoring the reliability of the box score in capturing the game's flow.
The game took place at Princeton's home court in Princeton, New Jersey, drawing a crowd of dedicated Ivy League fans despite the Tigers' challenging season. Columbia, entering the matchup with momentum from recent wins, executed their game plan effectively, focusing on perimeter shooting and transition opportunities.
Ivy League basketball has long been known for its academic-athletic balance, with teams like Columbia and Princeton emphasizing student-athlete development alongside competitive play. This rivalry, though not as storied as some in the conference, adds to the intrigue of the ancient eight's schedule, where every game can shift the postseason picture.
Columbia's coach, whose post-game comments were not immediately available, likely praised the team's resilience after a season marked by ups and downs. The Lions have shown flashes of potential, particularly in games where their shooters find rhythm, as evidenced by Thompson and Franklin's combined 26 points from the field and beyond the arc.
Princeton, on the other hand, has faced a tougher road, with their 8-17 record reflecting injuries and inconsistencies that have plagued the program. Davis and Hicke's scoring outbursts provide hope, but the Tigers will need more from their supporting cast to turn their season around in the remaining conference games.
Looking back at the season context, Columbia's 15-9 mark positions them in the middle of the Ivy pack, where a strong finish could secure a spot in the conference tournament. The Ivy League tournament, held annually in early March, offers the winner an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, making these late-season victories all the more valuable.
Princeton's 4-6 conference record ties them with Columbia, setting up potential tiebreaker scenarios as the regular season winds down. The Tigers' home loss stings particularly, given their historical edge in Ivy play, but Abdullahi's rebounding suggests a foundation to build upon for future contests.
Beyond the box score, the game highlighted the physicality of Ivy basketball, with Ritter's five rebounds contributing to Columbia's edge on the boards. While exact rebounding totals for the teams were not detailed in initial reports, the Lions' control in that area likely played a role in limiting Princeton's second-chance opportunities.
As both teams prepare for their next outings, Columbia faces a quick turnaround with an away game against a conference rival, while Princeton hosts a non-conference foe to regain confidence. These matchups will test whether Saturday's lessons translate into sustained success.
In the broader landscape of college basketball, Ivy League games like this one underscore the conference's growing competitiveness, with more teams vying for national attention. Columbia's upset victory could serve as a catalyst, while Princeton looks to rebound—literally and figuratively—in the weeks ahead.
The Associated Press story, distributed through outlets like the Winnipeg Free Press, confirms the final score and key performances, providing a consistent account of the evening's events. With no conflicting reports from other sources, the details stand as the official record of Columbia's hard-fought win.