Princeton men’s basketball opened the season with a nail-biting 81–80 victory over Iona, overcoming a daunting 16-point deficit in the second half. Junior guard Xaivian Lee led the charge with an impressive 27 points, showcasing remarkable composure as he sank crucial free throws in the final seconds to secure the win. The Tigers had initially struggled, trailing by 12 points at halftime, but managed to shift momentum through a dominant 20–2 run.
Coach Mitch Henderson acknowledged the team’s resilience, especially Lee’s offensive leadership, but noted that Princeton has areas to refine, particularly in rebounding and free-throw consistency. Sophomore forward Caden Pierce also contributed significantly, adding depth and energy to the team’s comeback efforts.
Looking ahead, Princeton will prepare for their next challenge against Duquesne at the Jersey Jam, hoping to build on the success and further sharpen their performance. The thrilling opener has set high expectations for the Tigers as they aim to improve and capitalize on their strong start to the season.
