After two straight big baskets from Cory Osetkowski got Columbia the lead back, Valparaiso’s Vashil Fernandez hit 1 of 2 from the stripe to tie the game at 56 with just :28 on the clock. Holding for one shot, Maodo Lo let the clock tick under five seconds before making his move at the basket. He maneuvered just above the foul line, stepped back, and nailed the game winning jumper to send Columbia into the second round of the CIT as his teammates mobbed him at center court. The road victory was the Lions’ 20th win of the season, the most since 1970. The postseason triumph was Columbia’s first since 1968.
Cory Osetkowski led the way with 21 points on 8-11 shooting–including 3-3 from beyond the arc for the big man with range. Lo had a solid all-around performance, registering 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists.
It was an unusual game on the glass for the Lions, who came into the game ranked 3rd in the country in defensive rebounding. Columbia gave up 13 offensive boards to the Crusaders, but overcame those extra possessions by nailing 11 of 12 free throws on the night.
Kyle Smith’s troops will most likely hit the road again with Columbia students still on vacation this weekend when the second round will be played. The Lions’ next opponent remains unknown for the moment as the CIT does not reveal second round match-ups until after the first round games have been completed.
Video highlights via Valpo Athletics below:
Congratulations to the Lions on a courageous effort on the road. Ivy teams proving they belong in the post-season, although Brown’s gritty comeback came up just a possession short. I attended the 1968 Ivy playoff game when Columbia defeated Princeton at St. John’s, sending the Lions to their last tournament appearance. Dave Newmark, Hayward Dotson and, of course, Jim McMillian, gave Columbia a triple-threat attack not often matched anywhere in our League since. Would love to see an all-Ivy final in the CIT. Go Bulldogs!
Agreed. It was a very good game and great that the Lions could pull out the victory. CO was excellent all game. Honestly, I thought Lo had waited too long to make his move at the end, especially not doing anything after his defender fell to the ground. Very glad I was wrong.
Just watched the end of the Yale-Quinnipiac game. Sears hits a bank 3 pointer with less than 1 second to go to win the game.
Princeton up 29-23 at the half in CBI game against Tulane.
I’m so glad to see the Ivy teams doing so well that I may even root for Harvard over Cincinnati tomorrow.