In a shocking turn of events, Princeton traveled to Levien Gymnasium and handed Columbia a 12-point defeat, winning 80-68. This upset victory is a significant statement for the Tigers, who were predicted to lose by 8.6 points according to CHD Scout. Instead, they dominated the Lions, outscoring them 46-34 in the second half to seal the win.
Kenny Noland led the way for Columbia, scoring 20 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the balanced attack of Princeton. Jack Stanton was the star of the show for the Tigers, pouring in 21 points to pace his team. Stanton received ample support from his teammates, including Jackson Hicke, who added 18 points and 6 rebounds, and Malik Abdullahi, who chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds.
The game was tightly contested in the first half, with both teams scoring 34 points to head into the break tied. However, Princeton came out on fire in the second half, using a combination of stingy defense and efficient offense to build a lead that Columbia couldn't overcome. The Lions struggled to find their rhythm, with Mason Ritter and Miles Franklin adding 11 and 9 points, respectively, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with the Tigers.
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This upset victory is a major blow to Columbia's tournament resume, as it counts as a Quadrant 4 loss. On the other hand, Princeton's win is a Quadrant 3 victory, which could be a significant boost to their postseason chances. The Tigers, now 8-14 on the season, still have a long way to go, but this win shows that they are capable of competing with teams above their level.
The loss is a disappointing one for Columbia, who fell to 14-7 on the season. They were expected to win this game comfortably, but instead, they found themselves on the wrong end of a double-digit defeat. The Lions must regroup and refocus as they head into the final stretch of the season.
In terms of tournament implications, this loss could be a significant setback for Columbia. A Quadrant 4 loss is a black mark on their resume, and it could hurt their chances of earning an at-large bid. On the other hand, Princeton's win could be a crucial one for their tournament hopes. While they still have a lot of work to do, this victory shows that they are capable of competing with teams above their level, and it could be a key factor in their postseason evaluation.
Overall, this upset victory is a huge win for Princeton, and it could have real consequences for both teams' tournament chances. The Tigers' resume just got a major boost, while Columbia's took a hit. As the season heads into its final stretch, this game could be a turning point for both teams.