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  • Columbia Men's Basketball Upends The Villanova Wilcats On The Road For A 90-80 Lions Win

Columbia Men's Basketball Upends The Villanova Wilcats On The Road For A 90-80 Lions Win

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Basketball

Columbia men's basketball pulled away with a 90-80 upset win at Villanova at Finneran Pavilion on Wednesday night.

Columbia moves to 2-0 for the first time since 2012-13 and earned its first victory over a Big East team since Nov. 20 of that season when they also took down the Wildcats.

"I'm thrilled with the effort from our guys and the way they executed," head coach Jim Engles said. "They deserve this win and it's a great night for our program and university."

Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa dropped 22 points and Avery Brown contributed 18. Kenny Noland (14 points) and Noah Robledo (12 points) rounded out Columbia's double-figure scorers. Columbia was an astounding 24-26 from the free throw line.

The Lions had the momentum heading into the break. Columbia shot 15-of-30 from the field to take a 39-37 lead after 20 minutes. Rubio De La Rosa drained a three-pointer as time was expiring to put the Lions back in front at the half.

The Lions continued to battle, carrying a 56-53 advantage after a Noland steal and lay-up. The momentum forced a Villanova timeout.

Later in the half, Columbia opened up its largest lead of the game at the under-8 timeout. An 8-2 run brought the lead to 64-57. Columbia would lead by as many as 13 with under two minutes to play.

Columbia survived a 33-point performance from Villanova's Eric Dixon. The Wildcats fall to 1-1.

The Lions return to New York City for their home opener on Saturday against Delaware State. Tip-off is set for 2 p.m. and will air live on ESPN+.

Postgame Notes:

- Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa posted his sixth straight double-figure scoring game dating back to last season and his 12th career 20-point game on Wednesday
- Columbia is 2-0 for the first time since 2012
- Columbia is 2-0 with both wins coming over Division I opponents for the first time since 2005
- The Lions earned their first win over a Big East opponent since Nov. 20, 2012 (75-57 at Villanova)
- Wednesday's win was head coach Jim Engles' first over a Big East opponent since Dec. 20, 2015 (NJIT defeated St. John's, 83-74)