Web UpdateTigers Pounce Past Lions in Second Half

It was another disappointing night at Levien Gymnasium on Friday, as the Columbia Lions (12-11, 3-8 Ivy) fell to the Princeton Tigers (13-11, 4-6 Ivy), extending their losing streak to seven games with a 68-59 loss. Despite staying with the Tigers for much of the game, the Lions were lured to sleep in a slow second half, falling behind when Princeton dictated the pace of the game.

Columbia started the game hot from the floor and matched baskets with the Tigers for much of the first half. Freshman Brett Loscalzo led the way, hitting jumpers from all across the floor for seven first-half points. The Lions were able to stay in the game despite star forward Matt Preston sitting for much of the half with foul trouble. Preston did not play in the first half after picking up his second foul with 13:27 remaining.

Columbia's best stretch of the night came with just under five minutes remaining in the first half, when senior Jeremiah Boswell hit a deep three followed by a pair of old-fashioned three-point plays from first-year John Baumann to give the Lions their biggest lead of the night, eight points. Princeton was quick to respond with a 10-0 run to close the half, heading into the locker room with a 34-32 lead.

With the pace of the game slowing noticeably, the Tigers began to assert control in the second half, with sophomore Luke Owings leading the way. Owings scored 14 of his game-leading 19 in the second half, while senior guard Scott Greenman chipped in 12 of his 15 in the second half to create a cushion for Princeton. Baumann showed up big inside for Columbia, ending the game with 14 points and five rebounds, but the Lions could not find the necessary offense. Columbia pulled within three with just over five minutes remaining, but baskets from Tigers Judson Wallace and Mike Stephens iced the game, and the Lions would get no closer.