NEW YORK - Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa posted had a strong all-around game, and Columbia set a single-game record for steals as the Lions topped Delaware State, 70-65, Wednesday night. The sophomore guard posted 21 points, five rebounds and three assists, and four steals to lead Columbia to its first win of the year.
"It was good to get the win," head coach Jim Engles said. "I'm glad we hung in there at the end. I was happy with the way we responded from the Sacred Heart game. So it was good to make some plays at the end to allow us to come up with the victory, and it was a good performance and a good learning opportunity for our guys."
Rubio De La Rosa was also a perfect 13-of-13 from the free throw line, including a couple of crucial ones down the stretch to seal the game.
"I have confidence in myself, so I never feel pressure," Rubio De La Rosa said. "So coming to the line and shooting free throws is something that I'm used to, and it doesn't bother me if it's at the beginning or the end. I'm going to feel the same way."
After falling behind 2-0, Columbia (1-3) led the rest of the way, leading by as many as 15 midway through the second half.
However, the Hornets battled back and cut the deficit to 62-60 with 1:23 on the clock. Avery Brown hit 1-of-2 from the line and the Lions came up with a stop to force Delaware State back into a fouling situation. Rubio De La Rosa knocked down a pair to ice the contest with 33 seconds remaining.
Cameron Shockley-Okeke added 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting and 2-of-2 from behind the arc.
"Our offense is able to get good shots for everyone," Shockley-Okeke said. "So if I find a good shot, I'm going to take it and that's just what happened today. I was open, took my shots, and made them today."
Kenny Noland added nine points (2-of-3 from 3-point range) and three assists for the Lions. Zinou Eddine Bedri added seven points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals.
It was part of a 15-steal night for Columbia, a new program record. The previous record was 14 vs. Bryant in 2009.
"The guys have done a good job. We've been forcing a lot of turnovers over our first few games here," Engles said. "So it's been something that's been consistent, and obviously that aggressiveness is something we're preaching, so we want to continue to do that and we've got guys trying to get as many deflections as possible."
Columbia will be back in action vs. American East opponent Maine (2-1) on Friday at 7 p.m. The game can be viewed on ESPN 3.
"I'm really happy with the way the guys have been working, and it's good to get away now," Engles said. "We gotta get up and get on a plane tomorrow."
