On Saturday, February 7, the Columbia Men’s Basketball Team played against Cornell University, ultimately losing 88-67.

For the second time this season, the men’s basketball team (14-8, 3-5 Ivy) faced the Big Red (11-10, 4-4 Ivy). The first matchup this season was on January 5, when the Lions won 104–99 at Newman Arena in Ithaca, NY.

The Lions’ starting lineup consisted of Kenny Noland (CC ’26), Blair Thompson (CC ’26), Ryan Soulis (CC ’28), Mason Ritter (SEAS ’28), and Miles Franklin (CC ’29).

Columbia took an early lead, with Ryan Soulis scoring the first points of the game. Shortly after, Miles Franklin made the team’s first field goal. Cornell saw its first field goal and points scored by Adam Hinton.

Cornell took its first lead with 16:59 left in the first half. Initially, the crowd at Levien Gymnasium brought strong energy as Cornell and Columbia went back and forth for the lead.

Cornell eventually picked up the pace, ending the first half leading 42-32. The Big Red’s biggest lead of the night was 26 points in the second half. The Lions were unable to recover, ending the game down 21 points.

The Lions’ scoring leaders were Kenny Noland with 21 points and Conor Igoe (CC ’29), the current Ivy League Rookie of the Week, with 13 points.

The Lions’ next home game is against Dartmouth on Saturday, February 21 at 2 pm.

Coverage by Bwog Staff

Image via Bwarchives