BERKELEY, Calif. (Interstat) — The Columbia Lions, propelled by a dominant first quarter and a standout performance from Perri Page, withstood a persistent challenge from the California Golden Bears to secure a 74-68 victory in a nonconference women’s basketball game Thursday night at Haas Pavilion.

In a contest that saw the Lions never trail, their early offensive execution proved decisive. Columbia raced to a 22-point first quarter, establishing a cushion it would rely on for the remainder of the evening. The Golden Bears, playing in front of a home crowd of 1,113, chipped away but could never fully close the gap, as every California push was met with a critical response from the visitors.

The most important stretch of the game unfolded in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, with Columbia clinging to a narrow lead. After California’s Mjracle Sheppard made one of two free throws to cut the deficit to 68-67 with 19 seconds remaining, Columbia’s composure was tested. On the ensuing inbound play, California immediately fouled Columbia’s Mia Broom, who calmly sank both free throws to extend the lead back to three points.

Needing a three-pointer to tie, California designed a play for sharpshooter Lulu Twidale, but her attempt from beyond the arc missed. A scramble for the offensive rebound ensued, and California’s Gisella Maul secured the ball but missed a hurried put-back attempt. Columbia’s Riley Weiss grabbed the defensive rebound and was fouled with 2 seconds left, effectively sealing the game by making both free throws for the final six-point margin.

The victory was anchored by Page, a junior from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who continued her exceptional late-season play. She finished with a game-high 24 points, adding three assists and a block in 37 minutes of action. Her ability to score in the paint and from mid-range provided a consistent offensive hub for the Lions, especially when California threatened to rally. Page’s performance follows a 23-point outing in a win at North Dakota State just four days prior.

She received crucial support from backcourt mates Riley Weiss and Mia Broom. Weiss, from Hewlett, New York, contributed 22 points, while Broom, from Seattle, Washington, orchestrated the offense with 17 points and four assists while playing the entire 40 minutes. The trio combined for 63 of Columbia’s 74 points.

California, which entered the game with a 58.8 percent win probability according to Interstat’s ELO system, showcased a balanced attack but struggled to contain Columbia’s primary scorers. The Golden Bears were led by 15-point efforts from Mjracle Sheppard, Gisella Maul and Lulu Twidale. Sakima Walker provided a strong interior presence with 11 points and four blocks, but the Bears could not overcome their slow start.

Columbia set the tone from the opening tip, starting the game on a 9-0 run before California registered its first points. The Lions’ defense was active early, generating turnovers and blocked shots that fueled their transition game. While the Golden Bears settled in and matched Columbia’s scoring in the second half, the early deficit proved too large to overcome.

The win improves Columbia’s record to 23-8 overall, continuing a strong close to its season. The Lions have now won three straight games since a pair of narrow losses to Harvard in early March. California falls to 21-15 with the loss, snapping a two-game winning streak.

Both teams now await their postseason fates, with Columbia likely solidifying its case for a postseason tournament bid and California looking to regroup after a hard-fought home defeat.