Princeton Scratches Out Victory in Ivy Opener

Coming off its best nonconference start in 31 years, No. 15-ranked Princeton found its Ivy League opener to be tougher than expected.

“It’s always tough in the league,” Princeton Coach Bill Carmody said Friday after the Tigers held off stubborn Yale 69-58, at New Haven, Conn.

The Tigers (12-1) had a 39-26 lead at halftime, but were scoreless the first four minutes of the second half. Yale (4-8) got as close as seven late in the game until Princeton pulled away with a 6-0 run.

Gabe Lewullis had 18 points for Princeton and Steve Goodrich and Brian Earl each had 13.

“That’s a very good team we played out there,” Yale Coach Dick Kuchen said. “If you look at who they’ve beaten this year, I think if they weren’t from the Ivy League, they’d be ranked higher.”

Wake Forest, North Carolina State, Texas and Rutgers are among the teams Princeton has defeated this season.

AROUND THE NATION

Georgetown will without leading rebounder Jahidi White and top three-point shooter Shernard Long in today’s game against St. John’s in Washington.

Hoya Coach John Thompson said White was out indefinitely after breaking his left ankle in practice Thursday, and that Long would not play because of academic problems.