Yale Bulldogs Gear Up for Epic Ivy Madness Semifinal Showdown Against Princeton

On Saturday, March 15th at 11 a.m., No. 4 Princeton will face No. 1 Yale in the Ivy Madness semifinals at the Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence, R.I. This is a big moment for the Bulldogs, who finished the regular season with a solid 20-7 record, going 13-1 in Ivy League play.

Yale is coming off a strong performance against Brown, winning 70-61. John Poulakidas was the star of the game, scoring 27 points. He really stepped up when Brown took the lead in the second half, scoring crucial points to help Yale regain control. In total, he shot 11-of-17 from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.

Other key players included Bez Mbeng, who scored 13 points and made a big impact with his steals and assists, and Nick Townsend, who added 11 points and helped facilitate the offense with six assists.

Key Highlights from the Season

• Poulakidas has been a standout performer, averaging 19.3 points per game, leading the Ivy League. He ranks 14th nationally in free throw percentage at 89.6% and stands out with his three-point shooting.
• Mbeng has made a splash this season, not only scoring but also becoming a defensive powerhouse. He boasts three triple-doubles—making him a rare talent in college basketball.
• As a team, Yale’s stats are impressive. They have a stellar assist-to-turnover ratio and rank high in field goal percentage and rebounds.

This season, Yale has enjoyed success against Princeton, winning both matchups. They first defeated the Tigers 77-70 at Jadwin Gymnasium and followed up with an 84-57 win at home. Both games showcased Yale’s shooting efficiency and strategic play.

Scouting Princeton

Princeton closed the season with a 19-10 record. They recently beat Penn 95-71, where Xaivian Lee recorded a remarkable triple-double—the second in the program’s history. Lee is a key player, averaging 17 points per game. Caden Pierce has also shone, ranking second in the conference for rebounds.

The Ivy League has always been competitive, but this year feels particularly intense. With talented players on both sides, fans can expect a thrilling game.

As we look to the championship game on Sunday, March 16, it’s exciting to see how Yale and Princeton will perform. Whether it’s Poulakidas’s scoring or Mbeng’s all-around play, each athlete has the potential to make a significant impact on the game’s outcome.

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