The Lions, led by Riley Weiss (CC ‘27), have secured the No. 1 spot in the Ivy League Standings.

Last Saturday, February 22, the Columbia Lions took down Princeton in a crucial game to secure the No. 1 spot in the Ivy League standings. Right from the first quarter, the game was as close as it could get, with the Lions keeping a two-point lead ahead of the Tigers. Challenging each other, Columbia kept a solid lead ahead of the home squad–at one point leading for more than 17 minutes. As both teams responded consistently to each other, it was sophomore Riley Weiss (CC ‘27) who finally took charge of the game as the Lions entered the fourth quarter, closing their six-point deficit. Weiss took charge and scored a straight 10 points–bringing Columbia’s squad to a 51-44 lead. While Princeton charged back, bringing the lead down to a mere two points, it was Kitty Henderson (CC ‘25) who hit the game-winning three-pointer in the final seconds–bringing cheers throughout the Jadwin Gymnasium this past Saturday evening. Despite a great rivalry between Princeton, it was Columbia that remained the most successful in assists and free throw completion, ultimately walking away victorious ahead of the final stint of their season. 

While this was a monumental game for many reasons, the Lions and Princeton Tigers have battled it out many times, making any match-up between the two one to watch. With this win, the Lions effectively ended Princeton’s 30-game winning streak in their home Jadwin Gymnasium. This also marks the Lions’ first regular-season series sweep against Princeton since 2008. Individually, this was a standout game for Weiss, who scored a career-high 34 points. As a result of this game, Weiss was named to the NCAA starting five for this week for her exceptional performance. Additionally, she was named the Ivy League Women’s Basketball Player of the Week for the third time in just this season. Henderson was also honored this week, being named to this week’s Ivy League Honor Roll. With three assists in this game, Henderson beat the record for career assists previously held by Charlene Schuessler (1986-90), bringing her total up to an impressive 459. 

The Lions maintained the No. 1 position after a win against Brown on Friday, with Henderson scoring the second-ever triple-double in Columbia Women’s Basketball history. Following this incredible performance, senior Cecelia Collins (CC ‘25) also scored a triple-double on Saturday against Yale, marking the third in Columbia’s history. This win sends Columbia straight to the first semifinal of the Ivy League Tournament on Friday, March 14, at 4:30 pm. 

To continue supporting the Lions as they finish off their outstanding regular season, be sure to check out the last remaining home game in Levien Gymnasium! Support the Lions on Saturday, March 8, vs. Cornell at 2 pm.

Additionally, Columbia Athletics is potentially organizing a fan bus to attend Ivy League Madness in Providence, Rhode Island, from March 14-15. All interested students should fill out this interest form. 

Authored by Sports Editor Marlee Turner and Deputy Sports Editor Ursula Vollmer

Women’s Basketball via GoColumbiaLions