Princeton University Athletics
Princeton University
Columbia
Women's Basketball Team Falls To Columbia
February 01, 2002 | Women's Basketball
Columbia jumped out to an early lead and dominated the first half of play. The Lions led 15-1 before Princeton connected on its first field goal, a seven-foot runner by sophomore Mary Cate Opila. Columbia would extend its lead to 19 points when it led 31-12 at the 6:09 mark of the period.
Princeton closed to within 14 points at the half, trailing 42-28 after shooting only 30 percent from the field compared to the Light Blue's 52 percent. The Lions dominated from the free-throw line as well, making 15 first-half free throws while Princeton mustered only five makes in 10 attempts.
The second half would bring more fouls and little rhythm for the Princeton offense. Sophomore Kelly Schaeffer scored 10 of her 11 points and freshman Karen Bolster notched eight of her 11 points in the second period, but Columbia marched to the free throw line 23 more times in the second half and kept the Tigers at an arms distance all night. Junior Maureen Lane led Princeton with 13 points, connecting on her 25th and 26th three-point baskets of the season. The Princeton loss is the first when Lane scores 12 or more points in a game. Princeton is averaging 61 points in its four Ivy contests this season and 70 points in their non-conference games.
Princeton shot 32 percent from the field on the night while Columbia shot a season-high 52 percent. The Lions made 32 of 42 free throws and held Princeton to a total of 24 foul shot attempts.
The Tigers lose their third straight game, the longest such streak all year. Princeton takes its 2-2 Ivy mark to Ithaca for a 7 p.m. match-up with Cornell tomorrow night.