The Princeton University men’s basketball team is gearing up for a crucial stretch as they head back on the road to face Cornell in Ithaca on January 30 and Columbia in New York City on January 31. Currently holding a record of 7-13 overall and 3-2 in the Ivy League, the Tigers are chasing their fourth Ivy League title in the last five seasons.
In their last outing, Princeton secured a hard-fought 63-53 victory against Brown on January 24, thanks to standout performances from their top players. The team exhibited flawless shooting from the free-throw line, going a perfect 22-for-22, a feat that underscores their recent success from the charity stripe. As of their game against Brown, Princeton has now made 38 consecutive free throws, emphasizing their strong performance in closing out games.
Head coach Mitch Henderson has enjoyed notable success against both Cornell and Columbia. Over his tenure, Princeton holds a 19-8 record against Cornell and is an impressive 24-2 against Columbia under his leadership. The Tigers fell to Cornell in their last matchup on March 2, 2025, where they suffered a heavy defeat. However, they have historically performed well against the Big Red, winning a majority of their matchups since their series began in 1902.
Cornell enters the matchup with a record of 9-9, including a 2-3 mark in Ivy play. The Big Red managed an impressive comeback to defeat Harvard, showing resilience that Princeton will need to be wary of. Columbia, with a record of 13-6 and also 2-3 in the conference, recently reported a solid win against Dartmouth.
Players to watch for Princeton include Dalen Davis, who leads the Tigers with an impressive 16.4 points per game and recently made his 100th career three-pointer. He has been pivotal for the team’s offensive strategies this season. Jackson Hicke’s recent performances have also garnered attention, as he has recorded three consecutive games scoring over 20 points, showcasing his ability to step up during crucial moments.
As the Tigers approach these matchups, it’s clear that they have the potential to reclaim their title and turn their season around. The strength and resilience of Henderson’s squad, combined with inspired individual performances, creates a hopeful outlook for the upcoming games.