Preview: Princeton Tigers at Columbia Lions

NEW YORK (Interstat) — A surging Columbia squad will look to solidify its position near the top of the Ivy League standings when it hosts a struggling Princeton team at Levien Gymnasium on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026.

The Lions (13-6, 3-3 Ivy) enter the contest with a significant advantage in overall record, having won three of their last five games. Their most recent outing was a convincing 79-69 road victory at Dartmouth, powered by a standout performance from junior guard Kenny Noland. He posted 29 points and 10 rebounds in that win, continuing a strong season where he has been the team’s offensive catalyst.

In contrast, the visiting Tigers (7-13, 3-3) have endured a difficult season but are coming off one of their best performances, a 63-53 home win over Brown last Saturday. That victory snapped a two-game skid and showcased the talents of sophomore forward Jackson Hicke, who recorded a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Hicke has been a bright spot for Princeton, averaging over 20 points per game in his last four contests.

This matchup presents a classic contrast. Columbia boasts the more potent and efficient offense, evidenced by a 104-point outburst at Cornell earlier this month. Princeton, while inconsistent, has shown resilience in close games, with three of its seven wins coming by four points or fewer, including an overtime victory over Vermont in non-conference play.

The game will hinge on the marquee individual battle between Columbia’s Noland and Princeton’s Hicke. Whichever star can better dictate the tempo and efficiency of their team’s offense will likely provide the crucial edge. Columbia will also rely on secondary scoring from guards Hampton Sanders and Ryan Soulis, while Princeton needs continued support from Dalen Davis, who scored 22 points in the win over Brown.

With both teams currently tied in the Ivy League loss column, Saturday’s result will carry weight for conference tournament seeding. Columbia seeks to protect its home court and build momentum, while Princeton aims to prove its recent win was a turning point and steal a critical road victory in New York.