Tensions were high inside Jadwin Gym on Friday night as Princeton University hosted Columbia University in a pivotal Ivy League matchup. With Princeton entering the night undefeated in the Ivy League, Columbia’s mission was clear from the opening tip.
Columbia pulled out a 73-67 road victory in what turned into a tight, physical battle from start to finish.
Columbia’s Riley Weiss set the tone early with a strong finish at the rim, immediately establishing the team’s presence offensively. Princeton looked to answer and either tie or take the lead late in the first quarter but came up just three points short after a Madison St. Rose layup closed the opening quarter. Despite Columbia’s early control, St. Rose stood, leading all scorers on both sides of the court in the first quarter with an impressive 13 points.
Princeton responded with a much stronger defensive effort midway through the second quarter, slowing Columbia’s offensive rhythm. While the Tigers found more success on the offensive end, they were unable to fully capitalize. Columbia extended its lead at the line behind two free throws from Perri Page. Princeton answered with two free throws from Fadima Tall, followed by a basket from Toby Nweke – her first points of the game – to knot things up at 27-27, marking the first tie of the night. Columbia edged ahead late, taking a 37-36 lead into halftime.
Princeton called a timeout with 7:07 remaining in the third quarter after being outscored 10-2 in just a couple of minutes, trailing 46-39. The Tigers regrouped, finding momentum on both ends and cutting into the deficit, but Columbia maintained their composure. Columbia took the 54-50 lead heading into the final quarter.
As the clock wound down in the final frame, Princeton displayed grit and determination as they battled down to the final buzzer. Ultimately, however, the Tigers’ push wasn’t enough to overcome a strong performance from Columbia.
Perri Page led the way for Columbia with a standout 23-point performance, earning well-deserved recognition. She was supported by Weiss, Broom, Henderson, and Safiu, who all finished in double figures.
For Princeton, St. Rose, Hutcherson, and Belker each contributed double digit scoring efforts.
The loss marks Princeton’s first in Ivy League play, moving the Tigers to 17-2 overall and 5-1 in the Ivy League. Columbia improves to 14-5 overall and 5-1 in the Ivy League.
Princeton returns to action Saturday night, hosting Cornell University in another Ivy League contest airing on ESPN+ in celebration of National Girls and Women in Sports Day and Autism Awareness day.
