NEW YORK – Sophomore Mike Smith scored 24 points to lead four double-figure scorers and Columbia converted 33 free throws in registering a key 89-82 Ivy League victory over Brown Friday evening at Levien Gymnasium. With the win, the Lions (8-16, 5-6) moved into sole possession of fourth place in the Ivy League standings.
Friday's game was the first of a crucial two-game weekend stretch for Columbia as it hosts two teams it is battling for position in the Ivy League standings (Brown and Yale). With an 82-80 win over Cornell, Yale is now in third place with a 6-5 record. Cornell and Brown move to a fifth-place tie with identical 4-7 records. The conference's top four teams earn an Ivy League Tournament berth.
Smith, who knocked down a career-high 13-of-14 from the foul throws, notched his ninth 20-point game of the season. First-year Gabe Stefanini provided a spark off the bench as he finished with 19 points and hit three 3-pointers and senior Nate Hickman added 16 points.
Columbia, which converted 86.8 percent of its free throw attempts, surpassed season-highs for both free throws made (33) and free throw attempts (38). The Lions also scored 24 points off turnovers.
Brown's 1-2 punch of Desmond Cambridge (26 points) and Brandon Anderson (23 points) led the way, but no other Bear reached double-figures. Cambridge hit three 3-pointers and 13-of-17 free throws and Anderson made 7-of-16 on his field goal attempts. The Bears were held to 39.3 percent (24-61) shooting on the evening.
The two teams combined to shoot 72 free throws after 55 personal fouls were called.
Columbia took control of the game midway through the second half despite Smith and Lukas Meisner forced to sit due to foul trouble. Leading by six points, Columbia outscored Brown 9-0 to secure a commanding 64-49 lead with 10:25 to play. Stefanini and Smith hit back-to-back jumpers and a driving layup by Smith gave Columbia a 10-point lead with 11:30 to play. On the next possession, Smith drove the lane and found Stefanini open for a 3-pointer in the corner and two Smith free throws gave Columbia a 64-49 lead.
Brown whittled Columbia's lead down to 82-78 when Anderson completed a driving 3-point play with 1:27 to play. But Smith kept the Bears at bay when he was fouled with 59 seconds and converted two free throws. In the game's final minute, Columbia connected on 7-of-8 free throw attempts to close out the win. The Lions were able to hang on despite not recording a field goal in the final 7:33 of the contest.
It was Columbia's defensive pressure which enabled it to build a 33-30 halftime lead. After trailing by as many as nine points in the first half, Columbia began to force turnovers as it answered with a 14-0 run. Adlesh started the rally with a 3-pointer and Stefanini registered all three of his steals during the outburst, capping the rally with a trey to give the Lions a 33-28 lead.
The Lions will play in front of the Levien Gymnasium faithful one last time tomorrow, February 24, at 8:30 p.m. when Yale comes to town for Senior Night. Prior to the game, Columbia will recognize Castlin and Hickman for their accomplishments. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting gocolumbialions.com/tickets or calling 888-LIONS-11.
Fans can also watch the contest on SNY and the Ivy League Network, now available on Apple TV, Roku and the ILN app for Android and Apple devices.
POSTGAME TIP-INS
- Columbia's six 3-pointers bring its monthly total to 72 for the Coaches vs. Cancer 3-Point Challenge. Fans can pledge a dollar amount for every triple Columbia makes in February until the end of the regular season or make a one-time donation. All funds will the American Cancer Society. To donate, click here.
- Adlesh reached double-figures for the 11th straight game and finished with 10 points.
- The Lions have won five consecutive contests against Brown at home and improved to 75-66 all-time against the Bears.
