- Xaivian Lee nears double-double with 21 points and 9 rebounds
- Princeton strengthens NCAA tournament bid with 7-5 conference record
- Ivy League sees three-way tie for second place
- Columbia's Zine Eddine Bedri scores team-high 16 points in loss
In a critical late-season matchup at Levien Gymnasium, Princeton University's men's basketball team secured a hard-fought 73-68 victory against Columbia on Friday night. The win comes at a crucial juncture in the Ivy League season, with just two games remaining before the conference tournament.
Sophomore guard Xaivian Lee delivered a standout performance, contributing 21 points while falling just one rebound shy of a double-double. His all-around game included five assists and three defensive stops during critical fourth-quarter minutes. This marks Lee's eighth 20-point performance this season, solidifying his position as one of the conference's most dynamic offensive threats.
The Tigers' supporting cast made significant contributions, with Blake Peters connecting on six of 13 attempts from beyond the arc. His 18-point outburst continues a recent trend of improved perimeter shooting for Princeton, who have increased their three-point conversion rate by 14% since February. Forward Caden Pierce demonstrated clutch free-throw shooting, converting all six attempts from the charity stripe in the final three minutes.
From a strategic perspective, Princeton's ability to limit Columbia's transition opportunities proved decisive. The Lions managed just eight fast-break points compared to their season average of 14. This defensive adjustment reflects Princeton's preparation for Columbia's up-tempo style, a trend that's becoming common among Ivy League coaching staffs facing athletic opponents.
The victory creates heightened drama in the conference standings, with Princeton now tied with Cornell and Dartmouth at 7-5. Yale maintains a commanding five-game lead at 12-0, but the battle for remaining tournament spots has reached fever pitch. Historical data suggests teams entering the Ivy League tournament with at least eight conference wins have a 73% chance of securing NCAA tournament bids.
Columbia's Zine Eddine Bedri showcased his offensive versatility with 16 points, but the Lions struggled to contain Princeton's perimeter attack. Despite improved ball movement that generated 18 assists, defensive lapses in the final five minutes proved costly for the home team. This pattern mirrors Columbia's season-long challenges in closing tight games, with eight of their eleven conference losses coming by single-digit margins.
Regional sports analysts highlight the growing importance of bench depth in Ivy League competition. Princeton's reserves outscored Columbia's 22-8, continuing a trend where teams with stronger second units win 68% of conference matchups. This development suggests offseason recruiting strategies may increasingly prioritize rotational players rather than star-focused rosters.
Looking ahead, Princeton faces a season-defining road game against Cornell on Sunday. The outcome could determine tournament seeding and potentially eliminate the loser from NCAA consideration. Meanwhile, Columbia seeks to regroup against Pennsylvania, needing a strong finish to avoid their worst conference record since 2017.