Carla Berube

Columbia Capitalizes on Second Chance in Ivy Title Race

PRINCETON, N.J. — Columbia University’s women’s basketball team has seized control of the Ivy League title race, securing a crucial weekend sweep of Princeton and Penn. The Lions’ resilience, coupled with a mid-season adjustment in team dynamics, has propelled them into a tie for first place with Princeton, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the regular season.

The weekend’s success wasn’t merely about winning; it was about how Columbia responded to adversity. After a surprising loss to Cornell earlier in the season, and a subsequent loss at Penn, the Lions rebounded to defeat Princeton twice, a feat they hadn’t accomplished since 2008. This sweep gives Columbia the tiebreaker over Princeton, a team that has dominated the Ivy League for much of the past decade, winning or sharing 11 of the last 15 titles.

A Moment of Reflection for Riley Weiss

A pivotal moment in Columbia’s turnaround came during the game against Princeton on February 13th. Riley Weiss, the Ivy League’s leading scorer, struggled in the first half, scoring only 3 points on 1-for-7 shooting. Recognizing a shift in mindset was needed, head coach Megan Griffith took a bold step.

“I told her to leave the locker room and come back in when she left her ego outside,” Griffith reportedly told reporters postgame.

Weiss briefly left the locker room, returning with a renewed focus. The change was immediate. She exploded for 20 points in the second half, shooting 7-for-9 from the field, including 3-for-3 from behind the arc. This performance ignited a Columbia offense that went on to secure a 70-56 victory.

Griffith clarified that “ego isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” but emphasized the importance of selfless play within the team’s framework. “Riley is not a selfish player. She just — we all make selfish decisions, and we just openly talk about that in our program. And she was being selfish in the first half.”

Weiss carried that momentum into the next game against Penn, scoring 21 points, including 12 in a crucial stretch bridging the first and second quarters, leading Columbia to a 69-56 win.

Finding a Rhythm After Early Struggles

Columbia’s journey to the top hasn’t been without its challenges. The team experienced an up-and-down start to the 2025-26 season as they adjusted to life without graduated stars Kitty Henderson and Cecelia Collins. However, they found their footing with a five-game nonconference winning streak and a commitment to their team culture.

Griffith emphasized the importance of maintaining their established systems, even when faced with fatigue or travel challenges. After the first loss to Penn, the team recommitted to their pre-game scouting routine, recognizing its value in preparation and execution.

“We treat every game the same. We prepare the same way,” Weiss said after the win over Penn. “But of course, this was a revenge game for us, and we talked about that all week. … We weren’t gonna let the same thing happen twice.”

Leadership Emerges

In recent weeks, Columbia has seen increased leadership from Weiss and junior guard Fliss Henderson. While senior forwards Perri Page and Susie Rafiu serve as captains, Griffith recognized the need for more on-court leadership from the guards, who handle the ball more frequently.

“Perri and Susie being the selfless and humble leaders they are, too, they took a step back so [Riley and Fliss] could take a step forward,” Griffith said. “You can’t have four people step up to try to lead a team. … [Riley and Fliss are] gaining inches every week, and the best part about it is our senior captains are empowering them to do it.”

Weiss’s Scoring Surge

Weiss has been a consistent scorer for Columbia all season, but her recent six-game stretch has been particularly impressive. She is averaging 26.2 points per game, shooting 51.4% from the field and 51.6% from three-point range, a significant improvement from her season averages. This surge has been fueled by her ability to respond to Griffith’s coaching, whether through lighthearted encouragement or direct feedback.

Griffith’s ability to connect with Weiss, and Weiss’s willingness to accept the coaching, has been a key factor in Columbia’s success. “Coach G and I’s relationship has really grown,” Weiss said. “She wants what’s best for me. She needs the best out of me each night. So she definitely knows how to get it out of me [in] different ways.”

Looking Ahead

As the Ivy League season enters its final stretch, Columbia, Princeton, Harvard, and Brown are all vying for a spot in the Ivy League Tournament. With only four games remaining, every contest carries significant weight. The current standings are as follows:

Columbia’s ability to capitalize on second chances, coupled with the emergence of strong leadership and a renewed commitment to team culture, has positioned them as a serious contender for the Ivy League title. The remaining games will undoubtedly be fiercely contested, as each team battles for a coveted spot in the tournament.