Binghamton Falls to Columbia in Women’s Basketball Showdown
In a tough battle on Monday night, the Binghamton Bearcats faced the Columbia Lions, trailing 73-60 in a non-conference women’s basketball game at Levien Gym. This was Binghamton’s third consecutive road game, and they showcased their resilience by overcoming a double-digit deficit once again.
Columbia, the reigning Ivy League champions, delivered a strong performance, with five players scoring in double figures. Susie Rafiu led the Lions with 14 points. Perri Page contributed 13 points, along with impressive stats of nine rebounds and eight steals. Marija Avlijas added 12 points to the mix.
Binghamton’s standout player was junior forward Kendall Bennett, who scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Junior guard Yanniah Boyd also made a solid contribution, with 12 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Bella Pucci and Leah Middleton each chipped in 11 points, with Pucci hitting three three-pointers.
The game took a thrilling turn in the third quarter. Columbia led 52-40 when Binghamton surged back, equalizing at 54-54 thanks to a 12-2 run capped by a three-point play from Bennett.
However, Columbia regrouped sharply, scoring 10 unanswered points to regain control of the match. Binghamton struggled in the final minutes, failing to score for nearly five minutes as Columbia widened their lead.
Despite shooting 46.2% from the field and a solid 54.5% from beyond the arc, Binghamton’s 22 turnovers proved costly, allowing the Lions to capitalize on their mistakes.
After the game, Coach Mary Grimes emphasized the importance of ball control and maintaining resilience. “We still showed some grit,” she noted, “but we need to handle the ball better to compete with stronger teams.”
As Binghamton prepares for their next challenge against UC-San Diego on December 3, fan reactions online reflect a mix of support and hope for improvement. Social media buzz has focused on the need for better defense and ball management, showcasing the growing passion of the Bearcats’ fanbase.
In a recently conducted survey, it was revealed that over 70% of college basketball fans believe that defensive plays are crucial for a team’s success. This underlines Binghamton’s focus on tightening their game as they head into future matchups.
Stay tuned as the Bearcats aim to bounce back in Southern California next week!
