Providence-(November 8th)- In an exciting non-conference matchup, the Providence Friars took on the back-to-back Ivy League champions, Columbia University Lions, in a game full of grit, determination, and high-level play. Both teams came out from the tip-off, setting the tone for what would be an intense back-and-forth battle.
The game began with Columbia’s Reily Weiss scoring the first bucket for the Lions, quickly matched by Olivia Olsen of Providence, who drove to the basket for a layup, evening the score at 2-2. Shortly after, Frias Grace Efosa made an impact with a steal, driving to the basket, missing her initial shot but snagging the offensive rebound for a put-back to give the Friars a 4-2 lead. Moments later, Orlagh Gormly hit two free throws, extending Providence’s led to 6-2. Columbia’s Kitty Henderson responded with a layup, narrowing the gap to 6-4. A timeout was called with 4:20 left in the first quarter.
Providence’s Kylee Sheppard nailed a three-pointer, but Columbia’s Maria Arrebola answered with a three of her own. The teams traded buckets, with Sheppard hitting a baseline jumper to give Providence an 11-7 advantage. Columbia’s Reiley Weiss responded with back-to-back threes, pushing Columbia ahead 13-12. Providence’s Martha Morales struck back with a three, but Columbia’s Nasi Simmons countered. At the end of the first quarter, Columbia held a narrow 16-15 lead, shooting 42% from the field, while Providence shot an impressive 67.7% from beyond the arc, led by Sheppard’s 5 points.
The second quarter saw Providence’s Ugne Sirtautaite hustle for an offensive board and put-back, reclaiming the lead at 17-16. Columbia’s Perri Page answered with a floater, and Kitty Henderson’s bucket gave Columbia a 22-17 lead, prompting a Providence timeout. Grace Esposito knocked down a three-pointer, bringing the Friars within two, 22-20. After Weiss banked a shot off the glass, Efosa ran the floor, and Sheppard’s crisp pass led to an easy layup, tying the game at 24-24. A corner three from Martha Morales gave Providence a 27-24 lead, with Grace adding another triple for a 30-24 lead. Columbia fought back, with Henderson and Cecilia Collins bringing them within two at halftime, 30-28. At the half, Providence led with 71% shooting from three and held a 19-16 rebounding advantage, while capitalizing on 10 Columbia turnovers for 15 points.
The third quarter started with Providence’s bench emphasizing defense. However, Henderson banked in a three, giving Columbia a 31-30 lead. Providence’s Morales answered with a three, reclaiming the lead. The quarter continued as both teams exchanged buckets, and a timeout was called with Providence trailing 39-40 and 4:37 left. Brynn Farrell’s layup tied the game at 41, and Columbia led 47-46 by the end of the third. In the fourth quarter, Efosa hit a layup off the glass, but Columbia quickly answered. Henderson’s layup and subsequent steal gave Columbia a 51-50 edge, and a timeout was called with 7:47 left. Henderson continued to lead Columbia’s offense, scoring off a steal. Providence’s Esposito hit a mid-range shot to give the Friars a slim 57-55 lead, but Henderson tied it at 57. With 30.8 seconds left, Efosa split a pair of free throws, putting Providence up 58-57. Columbia’s Perri Page hit a layup, tying it at 59 and sending the game to overtime.
In the extra period, Columbia found an offensive rhythm and ultimately outlasted Providence, winning 77-69. Efosa led the Friars with 18 points, while Sheppard, Farrell, and Morales each contributed 11. Columbia’s Weiss scored 25, and Henderson added 18 along with six assists. It was a thrilling game marked by resilience and competitive spirit on both sides.
