In a stunning upset, Dartmouth pulled off a one-point victory over Columbia University-Barnard, 64-63, at Levien Gymnasium. The margin of victory is a telling indicator of the intensity and competitiveness of the contest, as the two teams were separated by a single point. Given the significant disparity in NET rankings, with Columbia University-Barnard ranked 175th and Dartmouth 251st, this outcome was hardly expected. The 1-point margin and the fact that the underdog won underscores the level of grit and determination displayed by the Big Green.
The first half saw Dartmouth edge Columbia University-Barnard 29-28, setting the stage for a closely contested second half. Both teams maintained a high level of intensity, with Columbia University-Barnard ultimately leading 35-35 after 20 minutes. However, it was Dartmouth that ultimately emerged victorious, securing a hard-fought 64-63 win.
Jackson Munro's performance was pivotal for Dartmouth, as he led the team in scoring with 13 points. He also contributed in multiple facets, grabbing three rebounds, dishing out two assists, and blocking a shot. Munro's efficiency from the field and beyond the arc was notable, shooting 40% from the field and 50% from three-point range. His ability to knock down clutch free throws was also crucial, as he went 2-for-2 from the line.
Brandon Mitchell-Day's all-around effort helped Dartmouth secure the win, with 12 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. His rebounding total was particularly impressive, accounting for nearly half of Dartmouth's total boards. Mitchell-Day's outside shooting was also a factor, as he made two of his three three-point attempts. His ability to secure rebounds and block shots in key situations was a significant factor in the team's victory.
Kenny Noland's 17 points were a bright spot for Columbia, but his inefficiency from the field (7-20 FG, 3-10 3PT) ultimately proved costly. Despite his six assists, which tied for a team high, Noland's shooting woes limited his team's ability to capitalize on his scoring opportunities.
Connor Igoe and Blair Thompson also struggled to find consistency, with Igoe converting just 5-14 field goals and Thompson shooting 5-11 from the floor. Blair Thompson's 13 points and 8 rebounds were solid, but his lack of playmaking (1 ast) and inability to convert from beyond the arc (3-5 3PT) hindered his overall impact.
Notably, Dartmouth's Connor Amundsen's performance deviated significantly from his season averages, but in a manner that belied his overall efficiency. Despite shooting at a lower rate from the field and from beyond the arc than his season marks, Amundsen's ability to adapt and create for his teammates was on full display, as he nearly doubled his season average in assists while contributing modestly on the glass. His 8 points, though two shy of his average, were the byproduct of a more unselfish approach that prioritized facilitating for his teammates, underscoring his growth as a playmaker.
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Final
The pre-game prediction, which favored Columbia by 5.9 points, fell short in the actual outcome, with Dartmouth claiming a one-point victory. The disparity between the two teams' performances, however, was not as pronounced as one might expect, given the margin of victory. Instead, a closer examination of the game reveals that a few key factors contributed to Dartmouth's upset.
The data suggests that Columbia's inability to convert from beyond the arc was a significant factor in the game's outcome. The Lions shot a season-low 30.4% from three-point range, nearly 6% below their season average. Meanwhile, Dartmouth's defensive effort, which limited Columbia's opponents to just 25.8% three-point shooting, was a key factor in their victory. Additionally, Columbia's struggles on the glass, particularly on the defensive end, allowed Dartmouth to secure a significant advantage in rebounding margin, which ultimately proved to be a deciding factor in the game.
The win for Dartmouth provides a much-needed boost to their NCAA Tournament resume, particularly in the Quad 3 category, where they now hold a respectable 1-1 record. Although their NET ranking remains in the 250s, this victory could potentially move them into consideration for a 15-seed or lower seed in the tournament, but a 14-seed is still a long shot. Meanwhile, the loss for Columbia, a team that had been quietly building momentum, now puts their NCAA Tournament hopes in jeopardy, particularly with a Quad 1 record of 0-3 and no Quad 2 victories to their name, making a 16-seed bid highly unlikely.