Cambridge, Mass. - The Harvard women's basketball team (14-9, 7-4 Ivy) fell in the second half to conference leader Columbia (20–4, 9-2 Ivy), 70-75. 

Tonight's game celebrated Black History Month and featured a pregame honor for Lola Mullaney as she surpassed 1000 career points earlier this month on the road.

McKenzie Forbes got the game started for the Crimson, hitting a three thirty seconds into play to give Harvard an early lead. The first ten were a close match, with Columbia pulling ahead for a majority of the quarter but the Crimson making up the difference to end the quarter up by one, 15-14. 

In a slower start to the second quarter, both teams remained scoreless for two minutes of play and spent some time tied at 19. A three from Lola Mullaney brought Harvard ahead halfway through the quarter and a last second layup from Harmoni Turner sent the Crimson into the locker holding onto their one-point lead, 26-25. 

Columbia started the third quarter with a long run, pulling ahead by eight halfway through. Baskets from Mullaney and Elena Rodriguez brought the Crimson their third quarter points as they entered the final ten down 37-51. 

Rodriguez got the final ten started with an and-one as she hit double digits on the night. Harmoni Turner followed, scoring her tenth point three minutes into the quarter. With less than a minute to go, Maggie McCarthy brought the Crimson within two possessions of the Lions. Harvard outscored Columbia 33-24 in the final ten but ultimately fell 70-75. 

Harvard Highlights

• In a pattern similar to many recent contests, Mullaney led the Crimson team in scoring with 22 points, shooting 100% from the line with nine free throws. 
• Joining Mullaney in double digits, Turner scored 17 points, coming alive in the second half to give the Crimson an offensive push. Rodriguez had a strong third quarter to finish the game with 14 points. 
• Rodriguez led the team in rebounds, pulling down eight throughout the night. Saniyah Glenn-Bello followed with seven to tie her career high. 
• Harmoni Turner dished out six assists throughout the night, followed by McCarthy with three.
• Harvard outscored the Lions 33-24 in the fourth quarter, shooting 10-for-20 from the floor and 4-for-9 from three. 
• Harvard has a chance to clinch a spot in the Ivy League tournament with a win over Cornell tomorrow, pending the result of the Yale vs. Princeton contest. 

Up Next

Harvard will play host to Cornell in the second game of the weekend on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 5 p.m. The game will celebrate the Crimson alumni and serve as the team's breast cancer awareness game. The contest will stream on ESPN+.