Lions Use Big 3rd Quarter to Pull Away from FGCU, 63-44

Monday, December 29

Fort Myers, Fla.

2:00 p.m.

Columbia University

9-4,0-0Ivy League

FGCU

4-7,0-0ASUN

Columbia

FGCU

Photo by: Columbia University Athletics / Teyvon Bussey

Lions Use Big 3rd Quarter to Pull Away from FGCU, 63-44

12/29/2025 9:11:00 PM | Women's Basketball

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Weiss scores 1,000th career point as Columbia wins fifth straight

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Riley Weiss scored a game-high 24 points and became the 16th member of the Columbia women's basketball program's 1,000-point club, leading the Lions to a road win over FGCU, 63-44, Monday afternoon at Alico Arena.

Holding just a one-point lead at the half, Columbia (9-4) opened the third quarter on a 7-0 run and went on to dominate the period, 24-5. The Lions took their first double-digit lead on Weiss's 1,000th point at the 6:44 mark, and later used a 9-0 run over the final five minutes of the period to blow the game open. They led by 22 heading to the fourth.

Weiss is just the fifth player in program history to reach the milestone as a junior, joining Abbey Hsu (2019-24), Camille Zimmerman (2014-18), Tori Oliver (2013-17) and Ula Lysniak (1983-87).

"Riley is obviously really special … She can score in so many ways," said Columbia head coach Megan Griffith '07CC, who is also a member of the program's 1,000-point club herself. "The next step we are going to take is the efficiency at which she operates … She loves learning. As she keeps getting better, I think you're just going to see her assists continue to go up, which they have, dramatically this year."

Columbia took care of the basketball and committed a season-low 10 turnovers. Meanwhile, they came away with 14 steals to help force FGCU into 24 turnovers. Perri Page was the defensive catalyst, recording a game-high five of those steals to go with a dozen points, four assists and three rebounds. The Lions outscored the Eagles, 30-6, off turnovers.

Nay Staton had 13 points and Sinai Douglas scored 11 to lead the Eagles. The nine-time defending Atlantic Sun Conference Tournament Champions shot just 1-of-18 (.056) from deep.

The Lions started the game hot, hitting five of their first eight shots to force a quick Eagles timeout at the opening quarter's 5:47 mark. They extended that lead to 15-7 by scoring inside and hitting a few mid-range shots. FGCU later responded with seven straight to get back within a point, but Marija Avlijas ended that run with a corner trey as the shot clock expired.

After missing an open look at the first-quarter buzzer, Weiss immediately came out with a three to start the second quarter. The Lions maintained their lead with the help of a steal in the backcourt by Page that the senior converted into an old-fashioned three-point play. However, FGCU responded again with its largest run of the game, scoring eight straight to briefly retake the lead, 28-27. Maria Arrebola answered with the Lions' third 3-pointer of the period to give Columbia a 30-29 lead at the intermission.

Columbia started the third period with palpable energy, scoring the first seven points and ultimately running away with the game. Page took a charge on the other end of the floor to keep the Lions fired up, Weiss scored her 1,000th point, followed with another quick basket, and FGCU could do little to stop it.

Columbia led by 22 entering the fourth quarter and the game was never in doubt from there.

The three-time reigning Ivy League Regular Season Champions open up another title defense this Saturday, January 3, against Cornell (5-8). Opening tip from Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium is scheduled for 2 p.m.

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