Penn - Columbia notes

Columbia was hyped as having the best frontcourt in the Ivy League with 6-9 Ben Nwachukwu and 6-8 John Baumann, but they have underachieved this year. And in tonight's 73-54 loss to Penn it was no different.

Nwachukwu played tough on the boards, grabbing eight in all, but scored only five points. Baumann was still much worse. The Westport, Conn. native averages 13.1 points per game, but he had zero tonight against the Quakers. In 23 minutes (in part due to foul trouble) the junior went 0-for-4 from the floor, and in addition had only one assist and all of two rebounds.

Columbia only shooting 38% isn't a winning recipe, but defense killed the Lions, particularly Brian Grandieri dismembering the zone defense. Grandieri went a ridiculous 8-for-8 from the field for 17 points. Running the baseline and following the ball, guards found Grandieri in the gray area (on the baseline just outside the lane) for wide open jumpers. It was open all day, and the junior guard knocked it down all day.

While many people might vote for Mark Zoller for Ivy Player of the Year, Ibrahim Jaaber sure made a good case for himself tonight. He's been quietly assassinating Ancient Eight foes from the point guard position, hitting 6-of-11 for 15 points tonight, and more importantly added seven assists and only one turnover. He also added three blocks and three steals.