Columbia
YALE
Yale Uses Hot-Shooting First Half to Run Away from Men's Hoops, 79-64
2/6/2010 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
NEW YORK -- Yale led 48-29 at halftime and led by at least 12 points the rest of the way in a 79-64 win over Columbia at Levien Gym. Noruwa Agho matched his career high with 30 points, including 15 of 18 from the foul line.
Alex Zampier scored 12 of his 18 points in the first half as Yale jumped out to a 19-point first-half advantage. The Bulldogs made 17 of their 31 shots from the field in the half and made the most of its second chances. Yale outrebounded Columbia 23-10 in the first half and by a 46-27 margin for the game.
Sparked by a spirited student section on Greek Spirit Night, Columbia started out the second half seeking a second straight comeback win. Agho was fouled on a three-point attempt at the start of the half and sank all three free throws, bringing the Lions within 16.
Columbia cut the Yale lead to 54-42 when Agho found Zack Crimmins open for a short baseline jumper with 12:41 left in the game, seemingly plenty of time for a Lions' squad that had rallied from 15 points down a night earlier against Brown.
Yale stymied Columbia's rally this time, continuing to control the boards and converting from the foul line. The Bulldogs made 32 of 38 from the line, while the Lions made 24 of 34 in the game, which had 47 fouls called.
Agho scored 19 of his 30 in the second half, matching his career performance from earlier this season at Wagner. Brian Grimes added nine points and five rebounds for the Lions.
Zampier's 18 led Yale, which also received 13 points and eight rebounds from Paul Nelson and 12 points and 10 boards from Greg Mangano.
After five straight games at Levien Gym, the Lions hit the road for four straight. The stretch begins Friday, February 12 at Princeton at 7 p.m.
NOTES:
- Saturday marked the second day of Columbia Men's Basketball alumni weekend. The day began with the annual alumni game, which had 16 alums playing in the game. The Oldies beat the Aged, 60-51, in a hard-fought game.
- Columbia committed a season-low four turnovers in the game, and forced 11 Yale errors.
- Brian Grimes had two blocked shots for the second straight game and has a team-high 11 on the season.
