For the first time in program history, the Columbia Lions will be playing a game in the first round of the women's NCAA Tournament. The Lions overcame a 13-point halftime deficit to knock off the Washington Huskies, 63-60, in a First Four game in Chapel Hill, N.C., avenging a loss to Vanderbilt in the First Four last season.

Capitalizing off turnovers proved to be extremely important. Columbia scored 20 points off of 15 Washington turnovers, compared to the Huskies six points off nine Lions turnovers.

The Lions were led in scoring by Riley Weiss, who was the game's leading scorer with 24 points. 19 of her points came in the second half, her most in a second half this season.

Cecilia Collins (12 points) and Kitty Henderson (11 points) were also in double digits for Columbia. 

Along with her 11 points, Henderson added seven rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

Columbia will now have a chance to win its first game in the field of 64 on Saturday when it matches up against No. 6-seed West Virginia.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.