ITHACA, N.Y. (Interstat) — In a pivotal late-season Ivy League clash that lived up to its billing, the Yale Bulldogs showcased their championship pedigree, avenging a recent loss and securing a critical 88-76 victory over the Cornell Big Red on Saturday afternoon at a packed Ben Light Gymnasium.

The game’s defining stretch arrived not in the final minutes, but in a blistering first-half offensive display by the Bulldogs that the Big Red could never fully answer. Yale, propelled by a near-flawless offensive start, built a commanding 49-42 halftime lead by shooting a scorching percentage from the field and from three-point range. This early explosion established a cushion that Cornell spent the entire second half trying, and failing, to erase.

Yale’s junior forward Isaac Celiscar was the central figure in that decisive first-half run and the primary reason the Bulldogs maintained control throughout. The 6-foot-6 standout from Winter Haven, Florida, dominated at both ends, finishing with a game-high 27 points, three assists and three blocks in 34 minutes. His versatility was on full display, scoring on driving layups, turnaround jumpers, and tip-in dunks while also serving as a disruptive defensive force with multiple key rejections.

Cornell, which had stunned Yale 72-69 just two weeks prior on the same floor, fought valiantly behind the scoring of Jake Fiegen. The junior guard from Wilmette, Illinois, poured in 23 points, while backcourt partner Jacob Beccles added 18 points and four assists. The Big Red managed to trim a double-digit deficit to as few as six points in the second half, but each time they threatened, Yale had an answer, often from Celiscar or guard Trevor Mullin, who contributed 21 points.

The Bulldogs’ offensive balance proved overwhelming. Alongside Celiscar and Mullin, forward Nick Townsend provided a steadying presence with 15 points and six assists, and guard Jordan Brathwaite chipped in 14 points. Yale’s offense was efficient and inside-oriented, outscoring Cornell 46-34 in the paint, a testament to their ability to attack the rim at will.

Cornell’s Adam Hinton scored 14 points, and Cooper Noard added 10, but the team’s shooting cooled after the break. Despite a gritty effort, they could not replicate the defensive stops needed to complete a second comeback against the league leaders. Josh Baldwin facilitated the offense with seven assists for the Big Red.

The victory solidifies Yale’s position atop the Ivy League standings, improving their record to 23-5 overall. The Bulldogs demonstrated why they were installed as pregame favorites, exceeding the point spread and validating statistical models that gave them a high probability of winning. For Cornell, the loss drops their season mark to 15-13, a setback in their pursuit of a conference tournament seeding.

The attendance of 2,277 witnessed a game that, despite the final margin, was fiercely contested. Yale’s early offensive clinic, however, set a tone of authority. By establishing a significant halftime advantage through efficient scoring and interior dominance, the Bulldogs effectively controlled the game’s tempo and narrative, ensuring there would be no repeat of February’s upset and taking a major step toward their postseason ambitions.