Columbia defeats PSU Ab 106-51
PSU Ab 51 - Columbia 106: A Crushing Blowout in New York
The Columbia Lions put on a dominant display, thumping the Penn State Abington squad 106-51 at Levien Gymnasium on Wednesday night. The blowout victory marked a statement win for the home team and showcased their impressive depth and firepower.
At halftime, the Lions led by a margin of 54-33, setting the tone for a game that would see Columbia distance themselves further down the stretch. The final margin was an astonishing 55 points, with the largest lead of the night reaching 55 points in favor of the home team.
Columbia's Gerard O'Keefe was the star of the show, pouring in 19 points on 4-7 three-point shooting and 63.6% field goal efficiency. The senior forward also grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out five assists, capping off a quintessential all-around performance.
The Lions' balanced attack was nearly unstoppable, with Connor Igoe contributing 11 rebounds and 11 points, while Hampton Sanders chipped in with 10 assists and five points of his own. The team's bench also saw significant action, providing a boost to the squad's already impressive firepower.
In stark contrast, Penn State Abington struggled to find its footing on the road. Tamir Powell led the visitors with 14 points, but the rest of the team combined for just 37 points on 45.5% shooting from the field. JoJo Kelly was a bright spot for the away team, notching six assists and nine points, as well as four rebounds and four steals.
Advanced statistics paint an even more vivid picture of Columbia's dominance. The Lions shot a blistering 62.5% from the field, including 38% from three-point range, while holding Penn State Abington to just 30% shooting from beyond the arc. Columbia also outrebounded their opponents 39-23 and forced 14 turnovers.
The context of the game is clear: this was a statement win for the Lions in a non-conference matchup against a team they were expected to have the upper hand over. With the win, Columbia moves one step closer to building momentum heading into conference play.
In the end, it was a night to remember for the home team and a harsh lesson in competitiveness for Penn State Abington. As the Lions celebrated their impressive victory, it was clear that this was more than just a basketball game – it was a statement of intent.