Cornell Stuns Columbia with 21-Point Upset Victory

In a stunning turn of events, Cornell pulled off a massive 21-point upset over Columbia, winning 88-67 at Levien Gymnasium. This outcome was nothing short of remarkable, considering Columbia's superior record and net ranking. The Lions, boasting a 14-8 record and a net ranking of 158, were expected to handle the Big Red with ease. However, Cornell had other plans, as they dominated the game from start to finish.

The first half set the tone for the rest of the game, with Cornell racing out to a 42-32 lead. The Big Red's offense was clicking on all cylinders, with Josh Baldwin leading the charge. The star player finished with 19 points and 10 rebounds, a performance that will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the best of the season. Baldwin's double-double was complemented by solid showings from Adam Hinton and Cooper Noard, who chipped in with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

On the other side, Columbia struggled to find their rhythm. Despite Kenny Noland's valiant effort, scoring 21 points, the Lions were unable to keep pace with Cornell's high-powered offense. Connor Igoe added 13 points, but it was not enough to overcome the Big Red's onslaught. Blair Thompson contributed 9 points, but the Lions' supporting cast was largely ineffective.

CHD Scout's pre-game prediction had Cornell winning by a razor-thin margin of 0.2 points, but the actual result was far more one-sided. The prediction was correct, albeit in a much more convincing fashion than anticipated. The 21-point margin of victory was a reflection of Cornell's dominance and Columbia's inability to respond.

This upset has real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. For Cornell, the win boosts their resume with a Quadrant 3 victory, moving their net ranking to 178. On the other hand, Columbia suffers a Quadrant 4 loss, which could potentially harm their chances of securing a postseason berth. The Lions' net ranking of 158 will likely take a hit, making their road to the tournament more challenging.

The loss will undoubtedly be a tough pill for Columbia to swallow, especially considering their superior record and expectations. Meanwhile, Cornell want to build on this momentum, using the upset as a springboard to propel themselves up the rankings. As the season enters its final stretch, this result will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the tournament landscape.