Columbia women’s Basketball Uses Unique Sign System to Upset Washington in NCAA Tournament
Lions’ visual Interaction Strategy Fuels Historic First Round Victory
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – In a captivating First Four matchup, the Columbia Lions defeated the Washington Huskies 63-60, marking their first-ever NCAA Tournament win. But beyond the score, Columbia’s innovative strategy involving quirky cardboard signs stole the spotlight.
Throughout the game, Columbia’s bench brandished a series of eye-catching signs – a “NEON” sign, a Super Mario Bros. mushroom, and a flexing Columbia player, among others.These weren’t random images; they were coded signals designed to communicate specific instructions and strategies to the players on the court, adding a layer of intrigue to their historic victory.
Decoding the Sidelines: How Columbia’s Signs Work
The use of visual signals, while common in college football, is a rarity in basketball. Columbia’s head coach Megan Griffith, drawing inspiration from football’s intricate communication systems, embraced the idea to enhance on-court coordination. Assistant coach Allie Bassetti spearheaded the initiative, recognizing the potential for clear, non-verbal communication.
“If we’re going to be this multiple press team and we want them to have a greater awareness of when we’re about to be in the bonus or they’re about to be in the bonus, why don’t we just visually show them? I’m a big believer in communication,” Griffith said.
Sign Strategy Helps Fuel Comeback Victory
The signs played a crucial role in Columbia’s comeback. After trailing by double digits at halftime, the Lions rallied, implementing adjustments signaled from the bench. Most notably, they contained Washington’s Dalayah Daniels, who dominated the first half with 10 rebounds but was limited to just one in the second, as Columbia ultimately won the overall rebounding battle 30-29.
When asked about the sign for stopping Daniels, Kitty Henderson grinned, “Yeah, it’s a big stop sign.”
More Than Just Signs: A Historic Win
Beyond the novel signaling system, the victory held meaningful milestones for Columbia. It was their first NCAA Tournament win and their first-ever triumph over a Big Ten team. For Kitty Henderson,a standout player,it marked her 100th win in a lions uniform.
Looking Ahead
Columbia advances to face sixth-seeded West Virginia. With their signs in tow, the Lions aim to continue their improbable run, relying on strategic communication and stellar performances from players like Henderson and sharp-shooter Riley Weiss.
What specific types of defensive adjustments did Columbia make based on the signals from the coaches?
Columbia Women’s Basketball: Q&A on Their Innovative NCAA Tournament Victory
Following Columbia’s historic NCAA Tournament win over Washington, here’s a breakdown of the key questions:
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. what were the cardboard signs used for?
- The signs were a visual interaction system used by Columbia’s coaching staff to relay strategic instructions adn adjustments to the players on the court during the game.This included information on when to press, defensive strategies, and identifying key areas for improvement.
- 2. Who was the mastermind behind the sign strategy?
- Assistant coach allie Bassetti spearheaded the system, inspired by the communication methods of college football.Head Coach Megan Griffith supported the initiative, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal communication for quicker adjustments during the game.
- 3. What were some specific examples of the signs?
- While the article mentions a “NEON” sign, a Super Mario Bros. mushroom, and a flexing Columbia player, more specific details about the exact signals and their meanings are not provided. However, Kitty Henderson confirmed a ”big stop sign” was used to communicate how to limit Washington’s Dalayah Daniels.
- 4. How did the signs contribute to the comeback victory?
- The signs allowed the coaches to quickly communicate adjustments, especially in the second half. Such as, Columbia was able to shift their defensive focus, limiting Washington’s star player, Dalayah Daniels, and ultimately winning the rebounding battle.
- 5. What makes this victory so significant for Columbia?
- This was Columbia’s first-ever NCAA Tournament win and also their first win against a Big Ten team. It was also a milestone for standout player, Kitty henderson, marking her 100th win in a Lions uniform.
- 6. What’s next for Columbia in the tournament?
- Columbia advances to face sixth-seeded West Virginia. They intend to continue using their sign strategy.
- 7. Is this type of strategy common in basketball?
- No, visual signaling is more common in college football. Columbia’s approach is innovative for basketball, demonstrating a creative approach to game management.
- 8.Interesting Trivia:
- the Columbia team celebrated their historic win on March 20, 2025 after trailing in the first half.
Columbia’s victory showcases the power of innovative strategies and effective communication in basketball. Keep an eye on the Lions as they continue their tournament run!
