While most of us were getting fat and watching football (or just getting fat), the Columbia Men’s and Women’s Basketball teams were hard at work, each earning their first wins of the season on the road over the weekend. With the fall season in the past and winter sports well under way, being a Columbia Lions fan has never been easier! No more standing in the cold freezing your face paint off, and forget that trek up to Baker. All you need to do is make it to Dodge to catch Basketball, Swimming & Diving, Wrestling, and more this season. So take a break from Butler and catch your fellow Columbians in action all winter long. Or, you know, just read about them on Bwog Sports, brought to you by Kevin Powers.

Men’s Basketball (1-4):

Latest Result: The Lions pick up their first win of the season against Manhattan 59-41.

Highlights: After opening the season with four straight losses, the Lions came out strong on Saturday against Manhattan, taking an early lead 15-2. Defensive play was crucial throughout the first half as the Jaspers settled down at cut the Lions’ lead to five, but Columbia entered the break up 27-19. In the second half, the Jaspers again narrowed Columbia’s advantage to five before freshman Alex Rosenberg converted a layup for a three-point play to widen the lead to eight. Over the next five minutes, the Lions went on a 14-0 run to put them up 43-24. Columbia stayed on top for the remainder of the game, only letting the Jaspers within 12 points and securing their first win of the season. Junior Brian Barbour led the Lions with 22 points, four assists, and a steal. In his first collegiate start, Rosenberg tallied 11 points, five rebounds, and three steals, earning him Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions look for their first home win against Swathmore tonight at 7 pm at Levien Gymnasium.

Women’s Basketball (1-5):

Latest Result: The Lady Lions also picked up their first win of the season this weekend against Army 63-58.

Highlights: After a 0-5 start to the season, the Lions rallied on Saturday against Army with a strong team performance to earn their first W of the season. Early in the first half, Columbia went up 18-8, but Army answered with an 8-0 run to cut the lead to two. The game remained close for the remainder of the half, but the Lions entered the break with a 28-23 lead over the Black Knights. The Lions came out strong in the second half, with Courtney Bradford and Brittany Simmons picking up four points each to help extend the lead to 11. Army, however, didn’t take a backseat in the second half, rallying to tie the game at 56-56 with less than four minutes remaining. The Lions remained poised despite the late game surge, sinking free throws in the last few minutes to hold onto the lead. Sophomore Courtney Bradford had a stellar performance in the win, leading the Lions with 17 points, 12 rebounds and three steals. Junior Taylor Ball also had a standout performance with 10 points and seven assists.

Upcoming Contest: The Lions take on San Diego at home on Thursday at 7 pm at Levien Gymnasium.

weird track picture via Bwog