PRINCETON, N.J. -- Brown defeated a 71-68 overtime win over Harvard to earn the inside track to the fourth and final spot in Ivy Madness while the three frontrunners in the league standings — Cornell, Princeton and Yale — all picked up Friday night victories.
In Providence, Brown jumped out to a nine-point halftime lead and led by as many as 17 in the second half before a late push from Harvard sent the game into overtime. In the extra frame, the two teams exchanged baskets before an
AJ Lesburt Jr. three-pointer gave the Brown a 67-66 advantage. Brown held on from there to earn the pivotal win. The Bears now turn their focus to Saturday's game vs. Dartmouth. If Brown defeats Dartmouth or Yale defeats Harvard, Brown would clinch the final berth into Ivy Madness tomorrow night.
In New Haven, Yale outscored Dartmouth by 15 in the second half en route to a 80-56 win. The Bulldogs were led by four players in double figures and paced by
John Poulakidas' 16 points and five rebounds. Yale stays atop the Ivy League standings in a three-way tie with Cornell and Princeton at 10-2.
In Princeton, Columbia held an early 21-12 lead midway through the first half before Princeton controlled the remainder of the stanza and led 41-33 at the half. The Tigers held off a few Lions second half runs on their way to a 84-70 win.
Caden Pierce paced Princeton with 19 points.
In Philadelphia, Penn put up 46 first half points and raced out to a 12 point halftime lead. Cornell responded after the intermission — taking a 65-64 advantage with 10:24 left in the game. A back-and-forth game ended with the Big Red making plays down the stretch and earning an 87-81 win to stay in a tie for first place in the conference standings.
AK Okereke's 18 points off the bench led four Big Red in double figures.
Ivy Madness sits just two weeks away with three berths — Cornell, Princeton and Yale — already tied up. Limited ticket options remain for the three-day event (March 15-17) in New York City.
FINAL SCORES
Yale 80, Dartmouth 56
Brown 71, Harvard 68 (OT)
Princeton 84, Columbia 70
Cornell 87, Penn 81