ITHACA, N.Y. (Interstat) — A surging Columbia team seeks to avenge its last Ivy League loss when it visits Cornell in a women’s basketball matchup Saturday at Newman Arena.

The Lions (14-6, 5-1 Ivy) enter February as one of the conference’s hottest teams, having won five of their last six games. Their lone league defeat came against these same Big Red (8-12, 2-4), 67-60, in New York on Jan. 3. That result provides ample motivation for the rematch.

Columbia’s strength is fueled by standout guard Riley Weiss, who is coming off a 23-point, 7-rebound performance in a tough 64-55 loss at Penn last Saturday. Weiss has been a consistent force, including a dominant 40-point outing in a win over Dartmouth on Jan. 24. She leads a Lions offense that has scored 68 or more points in four of its last five victories.

Cornell, meanwhile, looks to build momentum after splitting its Pennsylvania road trip last weekend. The Big Red secured a 62-58 win at Penn before falling at Princeton, 72-61. Forward Clarke Jackson has been a bright spot, averaging a near double-double in recent conference play. She posted 12 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists in the loss to the Tigers and recorded a triple-double of 12 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists in a win at Dartmouth on Jan. 10.

The Big Red’s defense, which held Columbia to 60 points in the first meeting, will be tested by a more confident Lions squad. Columbia’s current run has featured much higher offensive outputs, including an 89-point performance against Dartmouth.

A Columbia win would solidify its position near the top of the Ivy standings, while a Cornell victory would provide a crucial season sweep and a key boost in the league race. Tipoff is set for Saturday afternoon.