In an intense game with Ivy League repercussions, women’s basketball (12–5 overall, 3–1 Ivy League) lost control of a double-digit lead, falling against Columbia (13–4 overall, 4–0 Ivy League) 58–50.
It was a matchup filled with runs from both sides. Despite a solid first half for the Tigers, the turnover difference ultimately proved too great for the Orange and Black to overcome, and their sloppy care for the ball gave the Lions the opportunities they needed to secure a home-court win.
In the first two quarters of play, the Tigers controlled the court on both ends. Sophomore guard Ashley Chea started off hot, knocking down a step-back three to contribute to Princeton’s 7–0 start after just two minutes of play.
However, with four minutes to go in the first, the Tigers had already committed their fourth turnover, marking the beginning of what would become the deciding factor in the game. Columbia ran a full-court press hoping to capitalize on these mistakes, eventually forcing four more turnovers before the half.
At the start of the second quarter, the Tigers were still up, 13–11. Senior forward Parker Hill knocked down a layup with 8:53 to play, putting Princeton ahead by four. Despite the loss, Hill shone brightly. The senior leader was a perfect 6–6 from the field and helped keep the game close.
“Parker has been nothing short of amazing this season,” Tiger head coach Carla Berube said to the ‘Prince.’ “Both her on-court play, on-court leadership, off the court, just a great mentor for younger players.”
Sophomore guard Olivia Hutcherson built on Hill’s momentum with a hustle rebound followed by a layup on the other end. A minute later, with 6:43 to play, Chea reached into her bag to create space for a baseline jumper, putting the Tigers up 19–13.
The rest of the quarter was filled with hustle plays on both ends, from a drawn charge by Chea on a Columbia fast break to Hutcherson and sophomore guard Skye Belker running the give-and-go to perfection to build on the lead.
Princeton ended the half with 13 turnovers, but kept their lead 30–20 due to their stifling defense holding Columbia to only eight made field goals.
In the second half, the turnover margin started to become an issue. Led by guard Cecelia Collins, Columbia erased the 10 point deficit in the third quarter.
With 1:21 to play, Collins hit a triple to give the Lions their first lead of the game, 37–36. The Tigers were outscored 20–6 in the third, surrendering to their opponents a 40–36 lead heading into the fourth.
In the final quarter of play, Princeton struggled to match Columbia’s pace. Although the Lions offense had started slow, it picked up in the second half, finally capitalizing on the turnovers they were generating.
In a play that epitomized the game perfectly, Hill delivered a huge block in the paint with 6:21 to go down seven. However, before the Tigers could capitalize on the potential momentum shift, they turned the ball over again, leading to another three-pointer from Collins.
Despite a few short spurts where a comeback looked possible, the Tigers never really cleaned up their play, ultimately leading to the 58–50 loss.
In the game, Princeton turned the ball over 24 times to Columbia’s 12, allowing the Lions to accumulate a whopping 18 points off turnovers.
“Yeah, it was certainly an issue,” Berube told The Daily Princetonian after the game. “Twenty-four turnovers. Some were unforced. Some were because of Columbia’s aggressive defense.”
Berube sees that as an area for improvement for the squad as the bulk of their Ivy League schedule lies ahead, including a crucial rematch with the Lions on Feb. 22. This time, the Tigers will face the Lions with the home-court advantage of Jadwin Gymnasium.
After winning against Princeton, Columbia sits atop the Ivy League standings at 4–0 while Princeton and Harvard are both close behind, at 3–1 apiece.
“So, we have a long season ahead,” Berube told the ‘Prince.’ “We’ll see them in a few weeks, and we’re looking forward to that rematch.”
Princeton will look to right the ship in a competitive Ivy League this year with an away game against Cornell (4–13 overall, 0–4 Ivy League) on Saturday, Jan. 25.
When asked how the team could improve moving forward, Berube got right to the point.
“Watching film, execution of our offense, better defense, understanding what we are looking for, taking away their strengths, shooting the ball well, and getting enough shots.”
Doug Schwartz is an associate Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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