POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) - Brian Parker scored 21 points to lead Marist to an 82-76 victory over Columbia on Saturday night.
Marist (1-1) trailed just once, and led by as many as 13 points in the first half before Columbia cut the deficit to 38-35 at halftime. The Lions pulled to 54-50 midway through the second half. Ryan Funk scored on a dunk and 3-pointer to make it 59-50 and Columbia didn’t get closer.
Parker was 6 of 13 from the field. David Knudsen added 15 points on 5-of-9 shooting from long range for Marist. Funk finished with 13 points and Darius Hines chipped in 11.
Mike Smith, who averaged 17.6 points per game and ranked second in the Ivy League last season, finished with 23 points to lead Columbia in its season opener. Freshman Ike Nweke added 17 points.
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