NEW YORK - Columbia men's basketball will meet up with Cornell for the second consecutive weekend after a dramatic Ivy League opener in Ithaca last weekend. Saturday's game is sponsored by Jag-One Physical Therapy

GAMEDAY PROMOTIONS
LIONS COMMUNITY DAY
Columbia will host a pre-game carnival for all University staff members at 2:30 p.m. in the Blue Gym on the second floor of the Dodge Physical Fitness Center. The event is free with the purchase of ticket and will feature food and games.

SUITS AND SNEAKERS
Both coaching staffs will be taking part in the NABC Suits & Sneakers weekend, a nationwide event when basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – saving lives from cancer. Coaches and their staff across the nation wear sneakers with their suits during games to raise awareness and help save lives by raising funds and encouraging people to educate themselves about cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. Donations will be accepted at the marketing table in the lobby of Levien Gymnasium.
 
 

OPENING TIP-OFF

• Columbia will play Cornell for the second straight week after a heartbreaking 60-59 defeat in Ithaca last Saturday. The Lions erased an 18-point deficit to take their only lead of the game with 2:31 left, but Jimmy Boeheim's 3-pointer on the next possession proved to be the game-winner.

• Maka Ellis was named Ivy League Rookie of the Week after posting nine points, three rebounds and two assists against the Big Red.

• Columbia ranks No. 9 in the NCAA, dishing out 18.3 assists per game. They also lead the Ivy League in assist/turnover ratio (1.4) and Gabe Stefanini is second in the conference with 4.1 APG individually.

• The Lions will remain at home for the first weekend of Ivy League back-to-backs, hosting Princeton (Feb. 1) and Penn (Feb. 2).

 

NEWS/NOTES

CORNELL'S STATUS
The Big Red come in winners of four of their last five with the lone loss coming at Wake Forest. Matt Morgan is one of the most prolific scorers in the country, averaging 23.4 points (12th in the NCAA). Steven Julian is the team's top rebounder (6.8 RPG) and shot blocker (1.7 BPG). Defensively, Cornell has guarded the 3-point line well, holding opponents to 30.3 percent shooting from downtown.

LAST TIME OUT...
Columbia's 13-0 run was capped by six -straght from Stefanini to put the Lions on top for the first time all game, 58-57, on a step-back jumper from the right baseline with 2:31 to play. After Boeheim's triple, the Big Red missed the front ends of two separate 1-and-1 opportunities in the final 30 seconds to give the Lions a chance. Columbia turned it over the first time but Stefanini got to the stripe with 3.5 seconds left and a chance to tie. He sank the first, but watched as his second fell off the rim. Sophomore Randy Brumant was able to grab the offensive rebound but his putback was no good as the horn sounded.

INSIDE THE SERIES
Columbia holds a 129-102 edge in the all-time series with Cornell. Last year, the teams each held serve at home. It was the sixth time in the past eight seasons the Lions and Big Red have drawn a season split.

COACHES VS. CANCER 3-POINT CHALLENGE
Columbia is participating in the 3-Point Challenge for the third consecutive year. With this initiative by the American Cancer Society and the NABC, fans can pledge a dollar amount for every 3-pointer Columbia makes during the month of February or make a one-time donation. All funds will benefit the American Cancer Society. To donate to Columbia's page, click here.

INSIDE COLUMBIA BASKETBALL PODCAST
Columbia Athletics debuted a brand new podcast featuring the men's and women's basketball programs. New episodes are available weekly on iTunes and SoundCloud.

THE IVY LEAGUE ON ESPN+
All home Columbia games and most Ivy League road contests will air on ESPN+ as part of The Ivy League's new partnership with ESPN. ESPN+ is a new, subscription-based service that offers monthly ($4.99) and yearly ($49.99) plans. Click here to subscribe to ESPN+ and start your free trial! Click here for frequently asked questions about the Ivy League on ESPN.  

IVY MADNESS
The third annual Ivy League Basketball Tournaments will be held on the campus of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut on March 16-17. Tickets will be available to select groups beginning Tuesday, December 11 at 10 a.m. Full information is available at IvyMadness.com.

JAG-ONE Physical Therapy is a comprehensive outpatient physical and occupational therapy company which provides rehabilitative care for general orthopedic, sports and soft tissue injuries, Workers' Compensation cases, and Medicare patients. 

JAG-ONE Physical Therapy is New York and New Jersey's leader in physical therapy for the recovery of knee, foot, ankle, hip, shoulder, elbow and back injuries.  The JAG-ONE Physical Therapy team proudly serves the Tri-State Area with facilities throughout New Jersey, Manhattan, Westchester, Staten Island, Brooklyn and Queens. Each location is able to serve patients with a variety of physical therapy needs, ranging from post-operative care, rehabilitation, and fitness services.