Preview: Columbia Lions at Princeton Tigers PRINCETON, N.J. (Interstat) — A clash of Ivy League women’s basketball titans is set for Friday night at Jadwin Gymnasium as the surging Princeton Tigers host the high-scoring Columbia Lions. Princeton (17-1 overall) enters with the look of a conference juggernaut, boasting a near-perfect record and riding a wave of momentum. Their lone loss this season came in non-conference play. The Tigers have shown a knack for winning close games, including an 82-79 overtime victory over Harvard on Jan. 19, and possess a balanced attack. Player to watch Fadima Tall has been a consistent force, averaging a near double-double in recent contests, including 12 points and eight rebounds in a 58-49 win at Brown last Saturday. They will face their toughest league test to date against a Columbia squad (13-5) that has won four straight, largely powered by one of the nation’s most explosive individual performers. Guard Riley Weiss is coming off a historic performance, dropping 40 points in just 29 minutes in an 89-32 demolition of Dartmouth on Jan. 24. Over her last five games, Weiss is averaging 18.8 points, demonstrating her ability to take over a contest. The Lions’ offense has been potent during their win streak, averaging 75 points per game. Beyond Weiss, contributors like Nasi Simmons and Mia Broom provide additional firepower. Columbia’s recent success, however, will be met by its most formidable challenge yet on the road. Princeton’s defense, which held Brown to 49 points and Dartmouth to 41 this month, will aim to contain Weiss and disrupt Columbia’s rhythm. The Tigers’ offensive balance, with key contributions from Skye Belker and Olivia Hutcherson alongside Tall, will test a Columbia defense that has been stout during its run. This matchup is the first of a critical home-and-home series that will define the Ivy League race. The teams will meet again at Columbia on Feb. 13. With first place in the conference likely on the line, Friday’s contest promises high stakes and higher intensity under the Jadwin lights. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.