Late Night Snacks: Ivy League, Horizon take center stage

Game of the Day

Harvard 67, Yale 64

The Crimson held a double-digit lead going into the second half. The Bulldogs were able to climb back into the game and with under 30 seconds made it a one-possession game. The first half deficit was too much for Yale, as Harvard connected on the final four free throws to secure the win. The win keeps Harvard perfect in conference play, just a half game above Princeton, who also won on Friday.

Also of note: Siena 66, Manhattan 63.

Important Outcomes

Princeton 76, Cornell 59

The Tigers rolled past Cornell on Friday night, which was important for Princeton. They keep a four-game winning streak alive and remain one of 2-0 in conference — making Princeton and Harvard the only undefeated teams in the Ivy League. It was a must-win for the Tigers, who have a tough next week. On Friday, Princeton plays a good Brown team, followed by Yale the next day.

Detroit 88, Youngstown State 77

Four starters for Detroit finished with double figures, led by Ray McCallum’s 23 points. Like Princeton, the win for Detroit keeps the Titans in the hunt for the top spot in their conference. Detroit sits half a game out of first, behind Valparaiso. Detroit has three upcoming games against teams with a combined 8-18 record in the Horizon League. After that Detroit gets another shot at Valpo.

Valparaiso 71, Milwaukee 40

The Crusaders could have lost sole possession of first place in the Horizon League, but held the Panthers to a dismal 27 percent shooting from the field, en route to a blowout win. Valparaiso has won six of seven. Three of the next four won’t be easy — against Illinois-Chicago, on the road at Wright State and back home against Detroit. The Crusaders have beaten all three of those team, but by a combined 12 points.

Also of note: Mercer 66, Kennesaw State 42

Starred

Ray McCallum, Detroit

The Horizon League’s leading scorer eclipsed the 20-point mark for the 13th time this season, scoring a 23 points with six assists, three rebounds and five steals. He was great from the field connecting on 9-of-15 and 3-of-4 from behind the arc.

Wesley Saunders, Harvard

Saunders had 15 points, 11 rebounds for his first double-double in a Harvard uniform. He added four rebounds to go along with the double-double, logging 39 minutes in a win over Harvard.

Maurice Barrow, Fairfield

Barrow had a career-high 25 points to go along with 10 rebounds, as Fairfield won its third straight in a 10-point win over Rider.

Also of note: Iam Hummer, Princeton: 22 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists; Denton Koon, Princeton: 22 points, 3 steals; Damian Eargle, Youngstown State: 13 points, 12 rebounds, 7 blocks

Struggled

O.D. Anosike, Siena

Thirteen times this season Anosike has finished with a double-double. He was limited to only five points and six rebounds. Although he did battle foul trouble — two in the first half and picking up a third two minutes into the second half — Manhattan did not let the 6-foot-8 senior dominate down low.

Columbia shooting

Columbia outrebounded Penn by 10, including a 12-1 advantage on the offensive glass, however poor shooting cost the Lions. Over the game Columbia shot 34 percent and only 18 from three. Columbia couldn’t stop Miles Cartwright, who scored several key baskets late to give the Quakers the win.

Kennesaw State

The Owls shot 28 percent for the game and had 10 more turnovers than assists. Kennesaw State has now dropped 19 of the last 20 games, including seven straight. The Owls sit at the bottom of the Atlantic Sun standings with a 1-9 record.

Terrence is also the lead writer at NEHoopNews.com and can be followed on Twitter: @terrence_payne