- Yale extends nation's longest active win streak to 13 games
- Bez Mbeng records double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds
- Bulldogs need two final wins to complete perfect Ivy League season
The Yale Bulldogs basketball team continues rewriting program history with a hard-fought 72-67 victory over Dartmouth on Friday night. Bez Mbeng led the charge with an impressive all-around performance, becoming only the third Ivy League player this season to record 20+ points and 10+ rebounds in multiple conference games.
Coach James Jones' squad demonstrated championship poise down the stretch, overcoming a 58-57 deficit with 6:32 remaining. The Bulldogs' lockdown defense held Dartmouth to 1-of-7 shooting during the critical final three minutes, while converting 8-of-10 free throws to seal the victory.
This historic run positions Yale (19-6, 12-0) as just the fourth team in Ivy League history to start 12-0 in conference play. With upcoming games against Harvard and Brown, the Bulldogs could join Princeton's 1997-98 squad as the only teams to complete a perfect 14-0 Ivy League season.
Regional sports analysts highlight Yale's balanced attack as their playoff X-factor. The Bulldogs boast four players averaging double figures in conference play, with their bench contributing 18.3 points per game - third-best among NCAA tournament contenders from mid-major conferences.
The New England basketball rivalry saw Dartmouth's Ryan Cornish erupt for 28 points, but the Big Green fell to 1-8 this season when allowing 70+ points. This matchup underscores the growing competitiveness of Ivy League basketball, with conference teams combining for 12 wins against Power 5 opponents this season.
As March Madness approaches, Yale's consistency in close games (7-1 in contests decided by ≤5 points) makes them a dangerous potential bracket buster. The Bulldogs' current NET ranking of 48 positions them favorably for at-large consideration should they stumble in the Ivy League tournament.