NEW YORK - First-year Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa tied his career-best with 24 points and Patrick Harding recorded 15 points and 17 rebounds as Columbia defeated Maine, 77-66, at Schiller Court. The Lions (3-6), who never trailed in the contest, built a 20 point run in the second half, but had to hold off the Black Bears (2-7) after the visitors trimmed the margin to three in the second half.

Harding's six early points to propel Columbia to an early 11-4 lead with 15:42 left in the first half. Maine came within three twice in the first half, but was met by a Lion scoring surge on each occasion. De La Rosa, Harding, and sophomore Liam Murphy combined for 12 points in under five minutes to enter the half up by a 14-point lead (39-25).

In the second half, the Black Bears chipped away at the Lions' lead coming within one possession after a 3-point play by Novak Peroic at the 9:39 mark. Countering with yet another offensive surge, Columbia stretched its lead back to 11, keyed by Eddie Turner III and Maka Ellis. Turner notched six points during the run and Maka Ellis drilled a clutch 3-pointer and a free throw with 5:42 left to restore the extra cushion.

Maine had one last rally, closing within 70-64 after a pair from the line from Vukasin Masic with 2:24 left. However, Josh Odunowo came through with a putback and was fouled on the way to change the momentum back in favor of the Lions and effectively seal the win.

On the day, Columbia maintained a 37-29 edge in rebounds, coming down with 27 defensive rebounds in the course of play.

The Lions are back in action Monday, December 6 when they face Colgate in Hamilton, New York. Tip-off is slated for 7 p.m. on ESPN+.

Tickets for the Lions' remaining home games are available by visiting gocolumbialions.com/tickets or calling 888-LIONS-11. For venue policies, click here.

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