CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard women's basketball will hit the road for the third time in four games to take on University of Massachusetts tomorrow in Amherst, Mass. The rematch of last year's WNIT round of 32 is set for 6:00 p.m. in the Mullins Center and on ESPN+/NESN+.
What to Know
- Harvard opened up their 2023-24 season and the second year under head coach Carrie Moore with two nonconference matchups on the road and their home opener against Quinnipiac. The Crimson stand at 2-1 on the season following a loss to No. 14 Maryland, its first win of the year against crosstown foe, Boston College and a win in its home opener against Quinnipiac.
- The last time out the Crimson won its home opener in dominant fashion, defeating Quinnipiac, 85-41.
- Harvard found its groove offensively against the Bobcats, scoring a season high 85, shooting 51.5% from the field, shooting 45.8% from three-point land, and dishing out 22 assists. The Crimson had a balanced contribution with five players score in double digits. The team was led by 14 points from both Harmoni Turner and Mary Hollensteiner, followed by 13 points from Abigail Wright, 12 from Lola Mullaney, and 11 from Katie Krupa.
- Turner and Mullaney both registered double-doubles in the team's home opener as the captains added 10 assists and 11 rebounds, respectively.
- Turner has either led or co-led in scoring in each of the team's first three contests with 18 points against Maryland, 26 in their win over Boston College, and 14 in Sunday's win. The Crimson junior is now just eight points away from reaching the career milestone of 1,000 points.
- With her four steals against Quinnipiac, Turner moved into No. 10 all-time in program history for career steals with 147. She is just two away from continuing to climb that list into the No. 9 spot.
- Through the team's first three games, Turner finds herself in the top-25 of numerous national statistical categories. As of November 14, Turner is tied for 13th in total points (58), 14th in minutes played (114), tied for 15th in field goals made (22), tied for 16th in assists (16), and tied for 23rd in steals (9).
- While averaging 10.7 points and six rebounds and shooting 54.5% from the field through her first three collegiate games, first-year Abigail Wright received the first Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors this past Monday. On Sunday, Wright posted a career-high in points with 13 on five of seven shooting from the field as well as grabbing four rebounds. In total, the first-year has collected 18 rebounds this season with 11 of them coming on the offensive end of the ball.
- As a team, the Crimson has collected 52 offensive boards for an average of 17.3 per game. By attacking the offensive glass, Harvard ranks tied for 40th in the country in offensive rebounds per game.
- The Crimson season will consist of 13 nonconference matchups before it begins conference play on Saturday, January 6 against Yale.
- After Sunday's contest, the Crimson have one remaining nonconference home game which will take place on Saturday, December 2 as Harvard welcomes the Michigan Wolverines to Lavietes Pavilion.
- The Crimson returns eight players from last year's roster and welcomes three first-years and a junior transfer.
- After a strong high school career, first-year Karlee White was recently tabbed No. 11 on The Athletic Women's College Basketball Top 20 Freshmen list.
- The matchup on Thursday will serve as the 25th meeting of a series in which in the Minutewomen lead the Crimson, 10-14.
- Harvard and UMass faced off twice last season with either team being victorious in one matchup. The Minutewomen bested the Crimson 67-77 in the regular season before Harvard got their revenge in the WNIT round of 32 when they downed UMass 89-87 to continue their historic run.
Next Up
The Crimson will remain on the road as it travel to Waco, Texas for its second ranked battle of the season. Harvard is set to face No. 21 Baylor on Sunday, November 19 at 1:00 p.m. inside the Ferrell Center and on ESPN+.
