In a hard-fought championship clash, Columbia's Lions emerged victorious against BYU's Cougars with a final score of 81-64 in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) final. The game, held in Wichita, Kansas, saw Columbia's seasoned team maintain dominance for the majority of the contest, securing their first national postseason tournament title. Despite a valiant fourth-quarter comeback attempt by BYU, which showcased their resilience and determination, Columbia's early lead and consistent play proved insurmountable. This experience, though a defeat for BYU, is viewed as a crucial learning opportunity for the team and its first-year coach, Lee Cummard, as they aim to build on a season marked by significant growth and numerous victories.
Columbia's Dominance Secures WBIT Crown Against Resilient BYU in Wichita
On April 1, 2026, in the vibrant setting of Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kansas, the Columbia Lions delivered a commanding performance to defeat the BYU Cougars 81-64 in the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) championship game. Columbia, boasting a season record of 25-8, showcased their experience and composure, leading for the majority of the match. Head coach Lee Cummard's BYU squad, led by promising young stars Delaney Gibb and Olivia Hamlin, struggled to find their rhythm against the Ivy League powerhouse, particularly in the first three quarters.
Columbia's victory was built on aggressive defense and efficient offense, disrupting BYU's typical team-centric flow. The Lions' ability to force turnovers and control the boards, reflected in a significant 54-46 rebounding advantage, highlighted their physical superiority. While BYU's Delaney Gibb scored 24 points and Olivia Hamlin added 17, many of these came in the game's waning moments as the Cougars mounted a late charge. The Cougars' uncharacteristically poor shooting in the first half, including a mere 23.1% field goal percentage, put them in a deep deficit that proved too challenging to overcome.
Despite trailing significantly, BYU displayed remarkable tenacity in the fourth quarter. Sparked by an intensified defensive effort that forced 11 turnovers, the Cougars launched a 13-0 run, narrowing the gap to 66-52. This was followed by an 11-0 spurt, bringing the score to a single-digit difference of 72-63. However, Columbia, with key contributions from Mia Broom (23 points, six rebounds, four assists) and Ivy League Player of the Year Riley Weiss (20 points, seven rebounds, four assists), calmly closed out the game with a series of free throws, sealing their championship win. The Lions' strong free-throw performance, converting 25 of 35 attempts, contrasted sharply with BYU's 8 of 15, underscoring a crucial difference in the contest.
Reflections on a Season of Growth and a Championship Encounter
The WBIT championship loss for BYU, while undoubtedly disappointing, serves as a profound educational moment for the burgeoning program under coach Lee Cummard. This game, against a highly experienced Columbia team, illuminated the nuances of championship-level competition, particularly the importance of maintaining composure and consistency under pressure. The Cougars' ability to fight back in the fourth quarter, even when victory seemed out of reach, speaks volumes about their character and the strong team bonds emphasized by players like Delaney Gibb. This season, marked by 26 wins and a deep run into the postseason, has laid a solid foundation for future success. The experience gained from competing in such a high-stakes environment, even in defeat, will undoubtedly fuel their determination and drive for growth in seasons to come. It underscores that sometimes, the most valuable lessons are learned not in triumph, but in the crucible of a challenging defeat, providing clarity and purpose for the journey ahead.
