Tigers Hold Off Late Bucknell Push, 73–63

by: Michael Sanders

PRINCETON, N.J. — The Tigers defended home court Tuesday night, outlasting a tough Bucknell squad 73–63 at Jadwin Gym. Princeton junior Dalen Davis put on a show, tying his career high with 25 points, and took control late to help secure the first win of the season for the Tigers (1–1).

Bucknell (2–1) came into the matchup unbeaten and opened hot with a 4–0 burst, but Princeton’s poise and perimeter shooting flipped the momentum fast. Sophomore CJ Happy ignited a 10–0 run with a dunk, and by the midpoint of the first half, the Tigers had found their rhythm. A three from Happy pushed the lead to double digits at 29–19, and a deep ball from Jacob Huggins stretched it to 36–24.

Still, Bucknell refused to fold. The Bison defense held Princeton to just one field goal over the final five minutes of the half, cutting the deficit to five at the break, 41–36.

Out of halftime, Bucknell kept punching. Patriot League Rookie of the Week Amon Dörries continued his breakout start to the year, leading the Bison with 12 points and bringing his team even at 43–43 with 15:39 remaining. But every time Bucknell closed the gap, Princeton had an answer. A quick 5–0 run capped by a Jack Stanton three put the Tigers back in control.

Down the stretch, Davis took over. Scoring 10 of his 25 points in the final six minutes, he sank clutch jumpers and went 7-of-8 from the line to seal it. Princeton’s depth showed as Jackson Hicke added 12 points and five rebounds, Huggins chipped in 11 points and four assists, and Happy delivered eight points and two blocks.

For Bucknell, Achile Spadone posted 10 points and Grgur Brcic anchored the glass, helping the Bison stay within striking distance late. But second-chance points and offensive rebounds — Princeton finished with 10 — proved costly in the final minutes.

Despite near-identical shooting splits (Bucknell 41.2%, Princeton 41.5%), the Tigers’ physical play and ability to get to the line made the difference. Princeton went 19-of-29 from the stripe, hitting six in the final minute to close out the win.

“This was a test of composure,” Davis said postgame. “Bucknell hit us first, but we stayed locked in and trusted each other.”

Princeton improves to 1–1 ahead of a weekend home stand, while Bucknell looks to regroup after its first loss of the season.