Early Saturday morning the Princeton Tigers picked up a 92-71 win against the Kean Cougars at home in an exhibition match streamed on ESPN+. The Tigers hold a 2-0 all time record against the Cougars.
The Tigers were in great spirit coming into this matchup following the news of 2023 graduate Tosan Evbuomwan signing a two-way deal with the Brooklyn Nets from the San Diego Clippers. In 16 games for the Clippers in the Tip-Off Tournament, he averaged 18.4 points-per-game on 52.7% shooting from the field along with 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Such success stories are a great reflection of the continued athletic development Princeton’s athletic program offers.
The first half of the matchup was very close from tip-off just as expected and ended 49-36 in favor of the Tigers. On top of their strong offense, the Tigers came out on a strong defensive note, collecting 8 fouls in just the first half. The Cougars, trailing just a few points behind, were able to keep their composure, even taking the lead several times in the first half.
In the first half alone, the Cougars’ D.J. Alicea led the Cougars with his 14 points and made four out of his five attempted free throws. The returning Senior from Springfield, N.J., has played 12 games and accumulated 152 points this season so far. He is on the right path to a very successful season.
Despite their strong efforts in the first half, the Cougars unfortunately struggled on both offense and defense nearing the end of the first half.
On the home side of the court, Jackson Hicke had an amazing game leading the Tigers, with 12 points and making six out of 10 shots taken. It is notable to mention that Hicke missed a majority of the 2023-24 season due to an injury, closing his season with 16 games played and 20 points. This season, the returning Sophomore has played 14 games and has already redeemed himself 52 points, beating several of his own records from last season.
The second half was predominantly dominated by the Tigers who were able to put up 43 points, and the Cougars, 35.
Post-game, two time Ivy League Coach of the Year, Head Coach Mitch Henderson shared how he had hoped for a mix of action during this matchup.
“Kean, that’s a really well-coached team,” Henderson reflected. “I would have loved for us to have seen some slightly different actions throughout the course of the game. But, I actually think those kinds of games really help you in the long run.”
Despite some minor touch ups, Henderson is proud of his Tigers and what they showcased during this matchup. Jackson Hicke and Philip Byriel both emphasized the special pieces that are on this team and how they capitalize off of everyone’s individual and unique skill sets.
The team also eagerly anticipates Caden Pierce’s return next Saturday, a lineup change that will help the Tigers tremendously. Pierce currently leads the Tigers with his 94 rebounds. But, his absence has been taken over by both Byriel and Abduhalli.
Philip Byriel
Returning Senior, Philip Byriel, had a career night on December 3 in Princeton’s victory at Saint Joe’s, recording career-highs in points (18) and made three-pointers (6).
Byriel has started the Tigers’ past eight games and is averaging 5.9 points-per-game and 2.4 rebounds in 18.4 minutes. He ranks 10th in the Ivy League in three-point field goal percentage (38.2%).
Malik Abdullahi
The Freshman from Miami, Florida, was honored as the Ivy League Rookie of the Week on November 18. In 19.9 minutes-per-game, he averaged 9.5 points on 64.3% shooting and 3.5 rebounds in games against Loyola Chicago on November 15 and Merrimack on November 17.
Abdullahi has started seven games so far, averaging 5.9 points on 67.2% shooting from the field. He leads the Tigers with his six blocked shots.
Following this exhibition game, the league is their sole focus.
“Just because we’ve had success before doesn’t mean we’ll have success now,” Henderson exclaimed.
Henderson likes to keep his team humbled, but he is surely confident they have what it takes and won’t let him down.
The Tigers are on the road next weekend to face fellow Ivy, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
