BYU Cougars and Columbia Lions Set for WBIT Championship Showdown

The Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament final pits two teams on the rise, with BYU's team effort against Columbia's star power.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a women's basketball game between two teams, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamic action on the court.The WBIT championship game between BYU and Columbia promises a clash of strategic styles, with the Cougars' team effort against the Lions' star power.Provo Today

The Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT) championship game will feature a clash between the BYU Cougars and the Columbia Lions, two teams that have defied the odds to reach the final. BYU's success has been built on a true team effort, with contributions from multiple players, while Columbia has leaned on the star power of Ivy League Player of the Year Riley Weiss. The game promises to be an exciting showcase of strategic prowess and resilience.

Why it matters

The WBIT has become a valuable platform for teams to showcase their talent and potential, with the past two champions going on to make the NCAA Tournament the following season. This matchup between BYU and Columbia will not only determine the WBIT champion, but could also shape the future trajectories of both programs.

The details

BYU's journey to the championship game has been a testament to the power of team effort. Sophomore guard Delaney Gibb has been a standout, but the Cougars' strength lies in their depth, with players like Sydney Benally, Olivia Hamlin, and Brinley Cannon all playing pivotal roles. Columbia, meanwhile, has been led by Ivy League Player of the Year Riley Weiss, whose scoring, rebounding, and 3-point shooting prowess have been crucial to the Lions' success.

  • BYU and Columbia will face off in the WBIT championship game on April 13, 2026.

The players

Delaney Gibb

A sophomore guard who has been a standout player for the BYU Cougars during their WBIT run.

Sydney Benally

A key contributor to the BYU Cougars' team effort, showcasing the depth and versatility of the roster.

Riley Weiss

The Ivy League Player of the Year, whose scoring, rebounding, and 3-point shooting prowess have been crucial to Columbia's success in the WBIT.

Megan Griffith

The head coach of the Columbia Lions, who has led the team to unprecedented success, including two consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.

Lee Cummard

The head coach of the BYU Cougars, whose coaching philosophy emphasizes honesty and reality, which has united the team during their WBIT run.

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What they’re saying

“We've embraced the reality of our situation and used it as fuel. Our players have really bought into the team-first mentality, and that's been the key to our success.”

— Lee Cummard, Head Coach, BYU Cougars

“Riley's ability to score, rebound, and assist, combined with her 3-point shooting, makes her a true difference-maker. We're excited to see how she and the team perform in the championship game.”

— Megan Griffith, Head Coach, Columbia Lions

What’s next

The winner of the BYU Cougars vs. Columbia Lions WBIT championship game will look to carry their momentum into the following season, with the goal of securing a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

The takeaway

The WBIT has proven to be a valuable platform for teams like BYU and Columbia to showcase their talent and potential. This championship matchup between the Cougars' team effort and the Lions' star power will not only determine the tournament champion, but could also shape the future trajectories of both programs.