Wednesday, November 6
Villanova, Pa.
7:00 P.M.
Columbia University
2-0,0-0Ivy League
90
at
80
Villanova
1-1,0-0Big East
1
2
F
Columbia
39
51
90
Villanova
37
43
80
Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Matt Rostkowski
Men’s Basketball Takes Down Villanova on the Road, 90-80
11/6/2024 10:15:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Lions off to 2-0 start for the first time since 2012
VILLANOVA, Pa. — Columbia men's basketball pulled away with a 90-80 upset win at Villanova at Finneran Pavilion on Wednesday night.
Columbia moves to 2-0 for the first time since 2012-13 and earned its first victory over a Big East team since Nov. 20 of that season when they also took down the Wildcats.
"I'm thrilled with the effort from our guys and the way they executed," head coach Jim Engles said. "They deserve this win and it's a great night for our program and university."
Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa dropped 22 points and Avery Brown contributed 18. Kenny Noland (14 points) and Noah Robledo (12 points) rounded out Columbia's double-figure scorers. Columbia was an astounding 24-26 from the free throw line.
The Lions had the momentum heading into the break. Columbia shot 15-of-30 from the field to take a 39-37 lead after 20 minutes. Rubio De La Rosa drained a three-pointer as time was expiring to put the Lions back in front at the half.
The Lions continued to battle, carrying a 56-53 advantage after a Noland steal and lay-up. The momentum forced a Villanova timeout.
Later in the half, Columbia opened up its largest lead of the game at the under-8 timeout. An 8-2 run brought the lead to 64-57. Columbia would lead by as many as 13 with under two minutes to play.
Columbia survived a 33-point performance from Villanova's Eric Dixon. The Wildcats fall to 1-1.
The Lions return to New York City for their home opener on Saturday against Delaware State. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and will air live on ESPN+.
Postgame Notes:
- Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa posted his sixth straight double-figure scoring game dating back to last season and his 12th career 20-point game on Wednesday
- Columbia is 2-0 for the first time since 2012
- Columbia is 2-0 with both wins coming over Division I opponents for the first time since 2005
- The Lions earned their first win over a Big East opponent since Nov. 20, 2012 (75-57 at Villanova)
- Wednesday's win was head coach Jim Engles' first over a Big East opponent since Dec. 20, 2015 (NJIT defeated St. John's, 83-74)
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X, Instagram or on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Columbia moves to 2-0 for the first time since 2012-13 and earned its first victory over a Big East team since Nov. 20 of that season when they also took down the Wildcats.
"I'm thrilled with the effort from our guys and the way they executed," head coach Jim Engles said. "They deserve this win and it's a great night for our program and university."
Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa dropped 22 points and Avery Brown contributed 18. Kenny Noland (14 points) and Noah Robledo (12 points) rounded out Columbia's double-figure scorers. Columbia was an astounding 24-26 from the free throw line.
The Lions had the momentum heading into the break. Columbia shot 15-of-30 from the field to take a 39-37 lead after 20 minutes. Rubio De La Rosa drained a three-pointer as time was expiring to put the Lions back in front at the half.
The Lions continued to battle, carrying a 56-53 advantage after a Noland steal and lay-up. The momentum forced a Villanova timeout.
Later in the half, Columbia opened up its largest lead of the game at the under-8 timeout. An 8-2 run brought the lead to 64-57. Columbia would lead by as many as 13 with under two minutes to play.
Columbia survived a 33-point performance from Villanova's Eric Dixon. The Wildcats fall to 1-1.
The Lions return to New York City for their home opener on Saturday against Delaware State. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and will air live on ESPN+.
Postgame Notes:
- Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa posted his sixth straight double-figure scoring game dating back to last season and his 12th career 20-point game on Wednesday
- Columbia is 2-0 for the first time since 2012
- Columbia is 2-0 with both wins coming over Division I opponents for the first time since 2005
- The Lions earned their first win over a Big East opponent since Nov. 20, 2012 (75-57 at Villanova)
- Wednesday's win was head coach Jim Engles' first over a Big East opponent since Dec. 20, 2015 (NJIT defeated St. John's, 83-74)
Follow The Lions
For the latest on Columbia men's basketball, follow @CULionsMBB on X, Instagram or on the web at GoColumbiaLions.com.
Team Stats
CU
VU
FG%
.537
.450
3FG%
.333
.344
FT%
.923
.882
RB
26
30
TO
8
12
STL
10
6
Game Leaders
Pts
22
FGM
5
3FGM
2
FTM
10
Pts
18
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
7
Pts
14
FGM
6
3FGM
1
FTM
1
Pts
12
FGM
3
3FGM
2
FTM
4
Players Mentioned
G
/ Men's BasketballG
/ Men's BasketballF
/ Men's BasketballG
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