The Yale Bulldogs' victory in the 2019 Ivy League Men's Basketball Tournament was a testament to their exceptional teamwork and strategic playmaking. On March 17, 2019, Yale faced off against the Harvard Crimson at the John J. Lee Amphitheater in New Haven, Connecticut, ultimately emerging as the champions with a score of 97-85. The game was marked by impressive performances from key players, including Miye Oni, who scored 17 points, and Alex Copeland, who contributed 13 points and 7 assists.
First Half Highlights
The first half of the game saw Yale taking an early lead, with the Bulldogs scoring 23 points in the first 10 minutes of play. Harvard struggled to keep up, trailing by as many as 15 points at one point. However, the Crimson managed to narrow the gap to 7 points by halftime, thanks in part to the efforts of Bryce Aiken, who scored 12 points in the first half. The halftime score was 48-41 in favor of Yale. The Bulldogs’ strong defense was a key factor in their first-half success, as they held Harvard to just 37% shooting from the field.
Key Players and Statistics
Several Yale players stood out for their impressive performances during the game. Point guard Alex Copeland played a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ victory, scoring 13 points and dishing out 7 assists. Meanwhile, forward Jordan Bruner contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds, earning him a double-double for the game. The team’s shooting percentage was also noteworthy, with Yale shooting 51% from the field and 43% from three-point range.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miye Oni | 17 | 4 | 3 |
| Alex Copeland | 13 | 3 | 7 |
| Jordan Bruner | 15 | 10 | 2 |
Second Half Highlights
The second half of the game saw Yale continue to dominate, with the Bulldogs outscoring Harvard 49-44. The Crimson made a late push, narrowing the gap to 10 points with just over 2 minutes remaining, but Yale was able to hold on for the win. The Bulldogs’ free throw shooting was a crucial factor in their ability to seal the victory, as they shot 85% from the line in the second half. The final score was 97-85 in favor of Yale, earning the Bulldogs their first Ivy League tournament title since 2016.
Post-Game Analysis
In the aftermath of the game, Yale head coach James Jones praised his team’s resilience and determination. “I’m so proud of our guys for the way they competed and the way they executed,” Jones said. “We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we were able to make the plays we needed to make to come out on top.” The win marked a significant milestone for the Yale program, which has experienced a resurgence in recent years under Jones’ leadership.
What was the final score of the 2019 Ivy League Men’s Basketball Tournament championship game?
+The final score was 97-85 in favor of Yale.
Who were some of the key players for Yale in the championship game?
+Key players for Yale included Miye Oni, Alex Copeland, and Jordan Bruner. Oni scored 17 points, while Copeland contributed 13 points and 7 assists. Bruner earned a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
