NEW YORK — In an exciting matchup on Saturday night, Geronimo Rubio De La Rosa led Columbia to an impressive victory over Fairfield with a standout performance that saw him net 27 points. The Lions triumphed with a final score of 85-72, showcasing their strong offensive play throughout the game.

De La Rosa demonstrated his shooting prowess by connecting on 8 of 15 attempts from the field. His three-point shooting was particularly notable, as he drained 5 of his 11 shots from beyond the arc. Additionally, he showcased his ability to sink free throws, going a perfect 6 for 6 from the charity stripe. Alongside him, Avery Brown contributed significantly to the win, scoring 16 points while shooting 5 of 8 overall and hitting all his attempts from the free-throw line. Kenny Noland also played a vital role in the team’s success with 15 points, shooting 5 for 12 from the field, including 3 for 7 from three-point range.

On the other side, Fairfield’s offense was led by Louis Bleechmore, who scored 12 points. The Stags also benefitted from Jamie Bergens’ effort who, in addition to his 12 points, was effective in playmaking, dishing out seven assists. Deon Perry matched his teammates with a similar scoring total of 12 points and contributed five assists to the team’s efforts.

For Columbia, the next challenge awaits on Monday as they face Rutgers in an away game. Meanwhile, Fairfield prepares for their upcoming contest against Merrimack on Friday, looking to bounce back after this loss.