Event Preview
Overview
The Columbia Lions are set to host the University at Albany Great Danes in a men's basketball matchup on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. EST. The game will take place at Schiller Court at Levien Gymnasium in New York City. This contest is significant as it marks the conclusion of Columbia's three-game homestand and serves as a pivotal early-season test for both teams.
Season Snapshot
Columbia Lions
The Lions enter this game with an 8-1 record, having won seven consecutive games. They are currently leading the Ivy League with an average of 39.1 rebounds per game, with Blair Thompson contributing 5.8 rebounds per game. Offensively, Columbia is shooting 49.6% from the field, which is 5.9 percentage points higher than what Albany's defense has allowed to its opponents. (wtop.com)
University at Albany Great Danes
The Great Danes have a 3-6 record, with all their wins coming at home. They lead the America East Conference with an average of 14.8 assists per game, with Amir Lindsey averaging 3.9 assists per game. Defensively, Albany allows opponents to shoot 43.7% from the field. (wtop.com)
Recent Form
Columbia's impressive seven-game winning streak was halted by an 88-73 loss to Albany on December 4, 2024. In that game, Blair Thompson led the Lions with 14 points and six rebounds. (gocolumbialions.com) Since then, Columbia has maintained strong form, averaging 91 points per game over their last three outings. (foxsports.com)
Albany has faced challenges on the road, with an 0-4 record in away games. Their most recent game was a 100-68 loss to Georgetown on November 30, 2024, where they struggled defensively, allowing Georgetown to shoot 63.1% from the field. (reuters.com)
Talking Points
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Columbia's Offensive Surge: Can the Lions continue their high-scoring trend, averaging 91 points in their last three games?
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Albany's Road Woes: Will the Great Danes overcome their away-game struggles to secure a win in New York City?
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Rebounding Battle: With Columbia leading the Ivy League in rebounds, how will Albany's frontcourt respond?
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Assist Leaders: Can Amir Lindsey's playmaking elevate Albany's offense against Columbia's defense?
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Defensive Adjustments: How will both teams adjust defensively after their high-scoring previous encounter?
Players to Watch
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Kenny Noland (Columbia): Averaging 17.2 points per game, Noland has been a consistent offensive threat for the Lions. (wtop.com)
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Blair Thompson (Columbia): Leading the team with 5.8 rebounds per game, Thompson's presence in the paint is crucial for Columbia's success. (wtop.com)
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Amir Lindsey (Albany): Pacing the Great Danes with 3.9 assists per game, Lindsey's playmaking abilities are vital for Albany's offense. (wtop.com)
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Justin Neely (Albany): Recorded a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds in the previous matchup against Columbia. (ualbanysports.com)
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Kheni Briggs (Albany): Led Albany with 17 points in their loss to Georgetown, showcasing his scoring capabilities. (reuters.com)
Key Matchups & Storylines
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Offensive Efficiency vs. Defensive Resilience: Columbia's high-scoring offense faces Albany's defensive adjustments after a high-scoring previous encounter.
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Rebounding Dominance: Columbia's league-leading rebounding against Albany's frontcourt, featuring Justin Neely and Kheni Briggs.
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Playmaking Battle: Kenny Noland's scoring prowess versus Amir Lindsey's assist leadership in directing Albany's offense.
Fun Facts
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Columbia's seven-game winning streak was the longest in the nation before their loss to Albany. (gocolumbialions.com)
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Blair Thompson scored 12 of his 14 points in the first half against Albany on December 4, 2024. (gocolumbialions.com)
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Justin Neely's 18 points and 13 rebounds in the previous matchup were instrumental in ending Columbia's undefeated start. (ualbanysports.com)
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Columbia is shooting 49.6% from the field this season, which is 5.9 percentage points higher than what Albany's defense has allowed to its opponents. (wtop.com)
Things to Chirp About
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"Can Columbia keep their offense rolling after averaging 91 points in their last three games?"
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"Will Albany's road struggles continue, or can they turn things around in New York City?"
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"How will Blair Thompson's rebounding impact the game against Albany's frontcourt?"
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"Is Amir Lindsey's playmaking enough to boost Albany's offense against Columbia's defense?"
Prediction
Columbia's potent offense and home-court advantage make them slight favorites in this matchup. However, Albany's resilience and playmaking abilities, especially from Amir Lindsey, could keep the game competitive. The outcome may hinge on whether Albany can improve their road performance and contain Columbia's scoring threats.