Army Rallies To Ruin Columbia’s Home Opener

(Courtesy: Columbia University Athletics/Mike McLaughlin)

The Columbia Lions were in control early in the second half, then Army erased an 11 point deficit and secured an 88-83 win.

Army fell behind in the second period to trail 75-64 late then rallied on a Fox 3-pointer followed by a dunk by Roe and another 3 by Emezie to pull within one, 77-76, with 4:05 to play. Thomas Funk sank a jumper to put the Crusaders on top for good, 80-79, with 2:28 left. What can’t get lost in the Army comeback, where the late four straight turnovers the Lions made. After all the turnovers, Columbia did have a chance to tie the game but Nate Hickman’s last shot was off and Army secured the rebound and final free throws to seal the game. The Lions shot 50 percent from the field as a team. The Lions out rebounded Army 39-36. Army shot 13-33 from the 3 point line.

Columbia’s Nate Hickman had a career night. He dropped in 30 points on 11-17 shooting. Luke Petrasek contributed with a second straight double -double. Luke had 11 points ,11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks in the game. Rodney Hunter also had a solid game. Rodney was two rebounds away from a double double (10 points , 10 rebounds).

Momentum is everything. When you commit consecutive turnovers like that , you rarely win close games. Columbia didn’t lose this game because of talent. They lost this game due to mental breakdowns, down the stretch.With the lost, the Lions record drops to 2-2. The Lions will return to the court on Saturday night to host Colgate.