By John Painter
(New York City – Jan. 2, 2013) Columbia’s second-half shooting from long range proved decisive in a 66-59 victory over Colgate here Wednesday night.
It’s the second year in a row Columbia defeated Colgate by a 66-59 count.
Colgate (5-10) opened the second half on a 9-0 run that pushed the Raiders into a 36-30 lead, their largest of the game. But Columbia rallied and regained the lead for good at 46-44 on a 3-pointer by Noah Springwater with 10:54 remaining.
It was one of six made 3-pointers out of 13 tries in the second half by the Lions. Columbia was just 11-of-31 from the field in the second half to Colgate’s 11-of-22, but the Lions made the most of their 3-pointers. Colgate was 5-of-15 from long range for the game, while Columbia finished 9-of-21.
Colgate also was victimized by 13 turnovers to just seven for the hosts. The Raiders scored just three points over the game’s final 3½ minutes, during which they attempted only one shot from the field and had two turnovers.
Columbia improved to 7-5 for the season, including a victory earlier this season at Villanova.
Colgate was led by 13 points apiece from Murphy Burnatowski, John Brandenburg and Pat Moore. Brian Barbour and Grant Mullins claimed game-high honors for Columbia with 15 points each.
Colgate travels to Dartmouth on Saturday for a 7 p.m. tip.
Columbia 66, Colgate 59
Colgate (5-10): Murphy Burnatowski 13, John Brandenburg 13, Mitch Rolls 4, Pat Moore 13, Damon Sherman-Newsome 9, Brandon James 7. Totals: 21-5-59.
Columbia (7-5): Alex Rosenberg 9, Mark Cisco 6, Grant Mullins 15, Brian Barbour 15, Maodo Lo 2, Steve Frankoski 11, Noah Springwater 6, Cory Osetkowski 2. Totals: 24-9-66.
3-Point Field Goals: Colgate 5 (Moore 3, Burnatowski, Sherman-Newsome); Columbia 9 (Mullins 3, Frankoski 3, Springwater 2, Rosenberg).
Halftime: Columbia 30-27.