Columbia Women's Basketball Reaches Championship Game

Columbia University's women's basketball team is heading to a championship game for the first time in program history after a commanding 67-50 victory over Wisconsin in Wichita, Kansas.

The Lions controlled the game from start to finish on Monday afternoon, led by Ivy League Player of the Year Riley Weiss, who scored 21 points and hit a dagger three-pointer from half-court late in the game. The fourth-seeded Columbia squad jumped out to an early 8-0 lead and never trailed.

"We know that defense fuels our offense," Weiss said after the win. "We need stops in order to get the ball on the other end and execute our offense."

The Lions created separation in the second quarter with a 10-0 run that pushed their lead to 15 points at halftime. Wisconsin made one last push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to eight points with under seven minutes remaining.

But Columbia had an answer. Sophomore Nasi Simmons responded with an and-one bucket, sparking a 7-0 run that put the game out of reach.

Columbia Women's Basketball Reaches Championship Game

Mia Broom added 12 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the winning effort. Susie Rafiu chipped in 11 points and nine rebounds, while Hilke Feldrappe scored 10 points including two crucial three-pointers.

Why This Inspires

Columbia's journey to the championship game represents more than just wins and losses. The Lions finished the season 24-8 and won the Ivy League with an 11-3 conference record, proving that academic excellence and athletic achievement go hand in hand.

The team's chemistry shines through in moments like Broom joking about her near triple-double with turnovers, then praising Weiss: "Riley's just got my back, always." That trust and camaraderie carried them through a wire-to-wire victory against a Big Ten opponent.

Now Columbia faces top-seeded BYU on Wednesday night at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2. Win or lose, these Lions have already made history for their school and shown what's possible when talent meets determination.

The championship game awaits, and Columbia is ready to roar.