AJ Lesburt Jr. spearheaded the Brown Bears’ emphatic 86-61 win against the Columbia Lions in a pivotal Ivy League showdown Friday night. Delivering 20 points and five rebounds, Lesburt solidified Brown’s offense while propelling their conference record to 5-5 (13-10 overall). The victory keeps their postseason hopes alive in a tightly contested league race.
Brown’s balanced attack overwhelmed Columbia from tip-off. Malcolm Wrisby-Jefferson added 14 points and five rebounds, shooting 70% from the field, while Landon Lewis dominated the boards with eight rebounds and 11 points. The Bears shot 52% collectively, outpacing Columbia’s 43% efficiency and controlling the paint with a 38-29 rebound advantage.
- Key Performers:
- AJ Lesburt Jr.: 20 PTS, 5 REB
- Malcolm Wrisby-Jefferson: 14 PTS, 5 REB
- Landon Lewis: 11 PTS, 8 REB
Columbia (12-11, 1-9 Ivy League) relied on Gerard O’Keefe and Gianni Cobb, who each scored 16 points, but their defense faltered against Brown’s relentless pace. The Lions have now lost nine of their last ten conference games, jeopardizing their tournament eligibility.
“AJ’s leadership set the tempo. When he’s aggressive, our entire roster elevates,” Brown’s coach remarked post-game.
Brown faces Cornell next, aiming to climb the standings, while Columbia battles Yale on the road. With Lesburt’s consistency and a revitalized defense, the Bears could emerge as a dark horse in the Ivy League tournament.