The Yale Bulldogs cemented their Ivy League dominance Friday night with a heart-stopping 92-88 victory over Cornell, extending their winning streak to 11 games. Star forward Nick Townsend delivered a career-defining performance with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists, showcasing why Yale (17-6, 10-0) remains unbeaten in conference play.
Townsend’s all-around excellence was complemented by Casey Simmons’ 21-point surge, including three critical three-pointers. Bez Mbeng added 14 points despite shooting struggles, proving Yale’s depth in clutch moments. The Bulldogs’ 52% field goal efficiency contrasted sharply with Cornell’s 43%, highlighting their offensive discipline.
Cornell (13-10, 5-5) fought valiantly behind AK Okereke’s game-high 30 points and 7 assists. Jake Fiegen’s 23-point effort and Nazir Williams’ near-triple-double (19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists) kept the Big Red within striking distance until the final buzzer.
Key factors in Yale’s victory:
- 23-18 rebound advantage in the second half
- 15 fast-break points compared to Cornell’s 8
- 42% three-point accuracy versus Cornell’s 33%
This win positions Yale as the first Ivy League team since 2017 to start 10-0 in conference play. With March Madness implications looming, Coach James Jones praised his team’s resilience:
“Nick [Townsend] embodies our culture – relentless on both ends. This streak isn’t about luck; it’s about daily preparation.”
Both teams face quick turnarounds Saturday. Yale hosts Columbia while Cornell travels to face Brown – critical matchups for Ivy League tournament seeding. With eight regular-season games remaining, Yale aims to maintain its three-game conference lead over Princeton.