EVANSTON, Ill. – The Columbia basketball team dropped a 75-54 decision to Northwestern Sunday afternoon. The Lions (3-9) were led by Patrick Tapé's 18 points. The junior shot 8-of-10 from the floor and set a career-high for the second consecutive game in scoring.
 
"Northwestern got loose for some 3's and were able to separate a little bit in the first half," head coach Jim Engles said. "Offensively, they did a good job containing some of our guys and it was tough for us to score. They did a good job of taking us off the 3-point line. They're a big, physical team and we had to do a better job on their guys on the perimeter and make some minor adjustments."
 
Columbia dug in defensively and featured Tapé and Ike Nweke in the post to build an 8-5 lead just under five minutes into the game. The Lions in front for the next several minutes and a dunk from Randy Brumant put Columbia on top, 16-12, at the 8:19 mark.
 
However, Northwestern finally strung together baskets and used a 13-2 run to take a 25-18 advantage with 3:58 left in the frame. Columbia clawed back when Quinton Adlesh knocked down a corner three to bring the deficit to three, but Vic Law's corner triple with under three seconds left put the Wildcats on top, 37-29, at the break.
 
Ryan Taylor opened the second half with a triple and a 12-2 outburst, capped by a Taylor 3-pointer gave Northwestern a 51-34 cushion with 14:32 to play. The Lions started to press with about 14 minutes to play and drew within 12 after a CJ Davis steal and score at the 12:22 mark, but Northwestern answered with the next five to remain in control as they went on for the win.
 
Gabe Stefanini dished out eight assists and is averaging 8.0 per contest since Mike Smith suffered his season-ending injury. Adlesh posted 14 points and knocked down four treys to move into a tie for eighth on Columbia's career 3-point field goal list (147).
 
Taylor and Vic Law each finished with game-highs of 21 points for the Wildcats (9-4). Dererk Pardon added 12 points and 10 boards.
 
Columbia was held to a season-low five 3-pointers made and 16 attempts. Northwestern was 19-of-24 from the line (79.2 percent), while the Lions were 7-of-10.
 
"We've competed well against ACC and Big 10 schools and had some good experiences for our guys," continued Engles. "We're still working on some things structurally and strategically and gaining some confidence (as we move into Ivy League play)."
 
The Lions will ring in 2019 at Binghamton Wednesday, January 2. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.
 
Tickets for upcoming home games at Levien Gymnasium can be purchased by clicking here or calling 888-LIONS-11.