Columbia Triumphs Over Washington: A Historic First Win in March Madness!

Columbia Women’s Basketball Provides Stunning Comeback in Tournament Opener

Columbia women’s basketball showed resilience and determination in their thrilling victory over Washington, overcoming a 13-point deficit to win 63-60. This game took place at Carmichael Arena and was part of the First Four tournament on Thursday evening.

Columbia, now boasting a record of 24-6 and 13-1 in the Ivy League, will advance to play against No. 6 seed West Virginia on Saturday at 2 p.m., which will be broadcasted live on ESPN News.

Riley Weiss led the scoring with an impressive 24 points, including 14 in the critical fourth quarter. Teammates Cecilia Collins and Kitty Henderson contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively. The Lions turned the tide in the second half, outscoring Washington by 16 points.

Coach Megan Griffith praised her team’s adaptability, stating, "Halftime was crucial for us. We realized we were beating ourselves a bit." At halftime, the team found themselves trailing 34-21, but adjustments discussed during the break clearly made an impact on their performance.

The third quarter saw Henderson spark a comeback with a layup, narrowing the gap. Although Columbia ended the third down 45-40, they entered the final quarter fired up. Weiss kicked things off with a three-pointer and then swiftly converted another shot, giving Columbia their first lead of the game.

A series of back-and-forth scores culminated with Susie Rafiu giving Columbia the lead again with a key putback shot. Over the final moments, Weiss sealed the game with crucial free throws, and strong defense forced Washington into a difficult shot in the closing seconds.

While Washington had a strong performance in the paint, led by Dalayah Daniels, who achieved a first-half double-double, Columbia’s defense was resolute in the second half. Coach Griffith noted that adjusting their defensive strategy was essential to stopping Daniels and limiting her passing options.

Washington’s Savyia Sellers was noteworthy in her own right, scoring 21 points, but Columbia’s second-half adjustments ultimately made the difference.

This thrilling game not only showcased Columbia’s potential but also highlighted the unpredictability of tournament play, where any team can rise to the occasion. This year, 67% of teams seeded seventh or lower have put on impressive performances in their games, reminding fans that anything can happen during March Madness.

The matchup against West Virginia promises to be another intense contest, and many fans are eager to see if Columbia can continue their remarkable run.

For more updates on Columbia women’s basketball, you can follow them on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

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