Princeton Tigers take on Cornell Big Red

Ivy League rivals meet in college basketball showdown

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Princeton Tigers and Cornell Big Red, two storied Ivy League basketball programs, will face off in a highly anticipated matchup this weekend. Both teams are looking to gain an edge in the competitive Ivy League standings as the regular season winds down.

Why it matters

This game holds significant importance for both teams as they jockey for position in the Ivy League race. A win could provide a major boost to their postseason aspirations, making this a must-watch contest for fans of college basketball.

The details

The Tigers, led by standout guard Evan Hicke, will look to use their balanced scoring attack and stifling defense to slow down the high-powered offense of the Big Red. Cornell, meanwhile, will counter with their own star player, forward Jayden Simmons, and hope to push the tempo and overwhelm Princeton with their depth and athleticism.

  • The game will take place on Saturday, February 15, 2026.

The players

Evan Hicke

A senior guard for the Princeton Tigers, Hicke is one of the top scorers in the Ivy League and a key leader for his team.

Jayden Simmons

A junior forward for the Cornell Big Red, Simmons is an explosive scorer and rebounder who anchors the team's frontcourt.

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What they’re saying

“This is a huge game for us, and we're really looking forward to the challenge of taking on a tough Princeton team on their home court.”

— Jayden Simmons, Forward, Cornell Big Red (Cornell Daily Sun)

“We know Cornell is a talented team, but we're confident in our abilities and are ready to put on a show for our fans. It's going to be a great battle.”

— Evan Hicke, Guard, Princeton Tigers (Princeton Alumni Weekly)

What’s next

The winner of this game will take a major step towards securing a top seed in the upcoming Ivy League Tournament, which will determine the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament.

The takeaway

This matchup between the Princeton Tigers and Cornell Big Red promises to be an exciting and hard-fought contest, showcasing the depth and talent of the Ivy League and providing a glimpse of the intense rivalries that make college basketball so captivating.