Columbia’s NCAA Tournament run came to an end with a 78-59 loss to West Virginia in the First Round. The Lions, led by senior standouts Cecelia Collins and Kitty Henderson, finished the season with a 24-7 record. Collins recorded 16 points, six assists, four rebounds, and a steal, while Henderson added 13 points, nine rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. Henderson set a Columbia record with 150 assists this season and holds the program’s career assist record with 494.
Despite a valiant effort, Columbia was unable to overcome West Virginia’s strong defensive presence and trailed for the entire game. Coach Griffith praised West Virginia’s unique playing style and emphasized the valuable experience gained from the tournament. The loss came after Columbia’s historic first-ever victory in March Madness, where they defeated Washington in the First Four.
West Virginia dominated the game, leading by as many as 22 points in the second half. The Mountaineers’ aggressive defense forced 11 turnovers from Columbia. While the Lions made a few runs, they could not bridge the gap and ultimately fell to West Virginia’s offensive firepower. West Virginia’s JJ Quinerly and Jordan Harrison led with 27 and 23 points, respectively.
Despite the loss, Coach Griffith expressed pride in the seniors and the team’s performance throughout the season. Columbia’s journey in the NCAA Tournament may have ended, but the experience gained will serve as a valuable lesson for the program’s future. Fans can follow Columbia women’s basketball on social media and the team’s website for updates and news.
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