Harvard defeats Columbia 54-79

Harvard Dominates Columbia in Statement Win

The Harvard Crimson proved why they're among the top teams in the Ivy League with a resounding 79-54 victory over their conference rivals, the Columbia Lions, at Levien Gymnasium on Monday night.

The primary storyline of this game was clear from the opening tip: Harvard's dominance. The away team came out strong, leading by as many as 26 points in the fourth quarter. While Columbia managed to claw back a few possessions down the stretch, it wasn't enough to overcome the Crimson's relentless pressure and shooting.

Halftime saw Harvard trailing, but ultimately, they would come out on top, showcasing their superior execution and team defense. The largest lead of the game belonged to Harvard, with Columbia struggling to find its footing on offense.

In terms of performance, Thomas Batties led the way for Harvard, scoring 24 points while shooting a blistering 66.7% from the field. Chandler Pigge chipped in with 11 points and seven rebounds, providing a well-rounded effort that complemented Batties' scoring prowess.

On the other side, Kenny Noland led Columbia's offense with ten points on 0-4 three-point attempts, but it wasn't enough to keep up with Harvard's onslaught. Ryan Soulis and Connor Igoe paced the team with six rebounds and nine points, respectively, as they struggled to contain the Crimson's strong inside-outside play.

The advanced statistics painted a clear picture of this game. Harvard boasted an impressive 61.8% effective field goal percentage, while Columbia managed just 39.3%. The Crimson also dominated on the boards, grabbing 32 rebounds to Columbia's 30.

Ultimately, Harvard's superior shooting and defense proved too much for Columbia to handle, resulting in a convincing 25-point victory that serves as a statement win for the Crimson.