The Columbia men’s basketball team got its season off to a thrilling start, as they gutted out a 65-62 win over Fordham. Fordham led by as much as eight during the second half, but the Lions held them to 25% shooting to gain the victory. Columbia dominated on the boards in particular, with a 52-27 advantage over Fordham. Senior center Jason Miller posted a double-double, with 13 points and 15 rebounds, junior guard Patrick Foley added 18 points and 5 rebounds, and sophomore forward Asenso Ampim came off the bench to add 15 points and 14 rebounds. It was Columbia’s first season-opening win in three years. The Lions play at Seton Hall in Newark, Sunday at 1 p.m. (game on WKCR).

In other winter sports news, the women’s basketball team opened with a loss, 79-57 to Oakland (Mich.). The men’s and women’s swimming & diving teams both won their season (and conference) openers, with the women squeaking by Yale 155-145, and the men dominating Penn 170-128.