Columbia Women’s Basketball Makes History with First NCAA Tournament Victory Over Washington

Riley Weiss’s explosive 14-point fourth quarter fueled a dramatic comeback for the Columbia Lions, securing a 63-60 victory over the Washington Huskies and etching their first-ever NCAA Tournament win in program history. Facing a 13-point halftime deficit, the Lions rallied in the final quarter, showcasing resilience and clutch shooting.

Cecelia Collins contributed 12 points to Columbia’s victory. The Lions, seeded 11th, will now advance to face sixth-seeded West Virginia on Saturday.

The game was a tense affair, with Columbia trailing for the majority of the first three quarters. Weiss’s hot streak in the fourth quarter, including a four-point play and two crucial 3-pointers, propelled the Lions to their first lead. With 18 seconds remaining, Weiss’s free throws extended the lead to 61-57.

Elle Ladine of Washington responded with a clutch 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to one. However, Weiss again delivered at the free-throw line, making it a 63-60 game with 12 seconds left. Washington’s final attempt to tie the game fell short, igniting a jubilant celebration for the Lions.

Key moments in the fourth quarter included Susie Rafiu’s crucial layup and Marija Avlijas’s timely 3-pointer, which extended Columbia’s lead to 59-54. This victory marks a significant milestone for Columbia, who were playing in the First Four for the second consecutive year, having lost to Vanderbilt last season.