Columbia
Rutgers
Lions Back in Action at Rutgers Saturday
12/20/2018 11:02:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Columbia resumes play after a 10-day break for final exams for the first of two-straight against Big 10 opponents.
OPENING TIP-OFF
• Columbia resumes action after a 10-day layoff due to final exams with the first of two straight games against Big Ten opponents.
• The Lions hung tough at Boston College, but a late Eagles run gave them an 82-73 victory on Dec. 12. Gabe Stefanini dished out a career-high 11 assists in the contest, the most for a Columbia player since 2012.
• Columbia ranks in the top-20 nationally in three team statistical categories. The Lions are dishing out 18.7 assists and boast a 1.51 assist/turnover ratio, which rank No. 11 and 20, respectively. Columbia also checks in at No. 16 in made 3-point field goals, knocking down 10.6 per game.
• Stefanini is fourth in the NCAA in 3-point field goal percentage, converting on 54.3 percent of his tries from beyond the arc.
NEWS/NOTES
RUTGERS' STATUS
The Scarlet Knights have been off since a 72-66 loss at Seton Hall on Dec. 15. Eugene Omoruyi is posting 15.7 points and 9.1 rebounds to pace the squad. Geo Baker is handing out 4.6 assists and is averaging 14.5 points on 40.6 percent shooting from 3-point range.
INSIDE THE SERIES
Columbia is 26-21 all-time against Rutgers in a series that dates all the way back to 1914-15. The Scarlet Knights have taken the last eight meetings, including a 60-36 win at the RAC on Nov. 18, 2002 - the last contest between the schools.
COLUMBIA VS. THE BIG 10
The Lions are 30-35 all-time against teams currently in the Big 10. Columbia's most common opponent is Rutgers and its last win against a Big Ten foe was an 85-75 win at the RAC on Dec. 2, 1976. The Lions' last victory over a traditional Big 10 foe came on Dec. 3, 1969 against Northwestern, 83-68.
INJURY UPDATE
Junior guard Mike Smith underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus on Dec. 12 and will miss the remainder of the season. Smith suffered the injury in the first half of the Lions' contest against Bryant on Dec. 7. He will remain enrolled at Columbia during the 2019 spring semester.
