Yale clinches NCAA tournament berth with buzzer-beater victory over Brown in Ivy League championship

Yale secures their spot in the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time by defeating Brown in the Ivy League Tournament championship game

n a thrilling showdown at Francis S. Levien Gymnasium, Yale secured their spot in the NCAA Tournament for the seventh time by edging out Brown in the championship game of the Ivy League Tournament. Matt Knowling emerged as the hero, sinking a buzzer-beating jumper to seal the victory for the Bulldogs, who closed the game on an 8-1 run to triumph 62-61.

The fourth-seeded Brown Bears, led by Kino Lilly Jr.’s impressive performance, seemed poised for the win as they held a 60-54 lead with only 27 seconds remaining. However, a resilient Yale squad, fueled by Bez Mbeng’s critical three-point play and John Poulakidas’ clutch 3-pointer, fought back to narrow the gap to 61-60 with just 14 seconds on the clock.

As tensions peaked, Poulakidas fouled Malachi Ndur, who missed two crucial free throws, setting the stage for Knowling’s dramatic game-winning shot.

The heartbreak was palpable for the Bears, who had rallied with six consecutive victories to secure their place in the tournament, including a stunning upset against top-seeded Princeton in the semifinals. Despite their valiant effort, Brown fell short of their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1986.

Yale’s journey to victory saw them overcome tough competition, including a decisive 69-57 win over Cornell in the semifinals. Led by standout performances from Poulakidas, August Mahoney, and Knowling, the Bulldogs showcased their resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

Poulakidas led the charge for Yale with 18 points, including four crucial 3-pointers, while Mahoney contributed 15 points and five rebounds. Knowling, the hero of the night, delivered an impressive all-around performance with 11 points, five rebounds, and five assists, showcasing his versatility on the court. Additionally, Danny Wolf’s dominant presence on the boards, with 13 rebounds and nine points, played a pivotal role in securing the victory for the Bulldogs.

For Brown, Lilly’s stellar performance, highlighted by 21 points and three 3-pointers, led the charge, supported by Kalu Anya’s 12 points and seven rebounds, and Ndur’s impactful contributions off the bench with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

With their victory, Yale continues to build on their legacy in the Ivy League, securing their third championship title in five appearances since the introduction of the four-team league tournament format.

Source: AP