NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Harvard women's basketball (16-12, 9-5 Ivy) fell in the opening round of Ivy Madness this evening, dropping a 61-63 battle to the Columbia Lions (23-5, 13-1 Ivy). 

Harmoni Turner led all Crimson scorers with 21 points on 8-of-18 from the field while also adding six rebounds, four assists, and four steals.  Katie Krupa joined in double figures with 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

How it Happened

The Crimson came out with urgency, knocking down the first five points of the contest alongside defensive stands.  Harmoni Turner started hot, notching 11 of the Crimson first 14 points on 4-of-4 shooting.  Harvard held onto the slim 16-14 lead at the end of the first as Karlee White knocked down a floater in the dying seconds.  As a team, the Crimson shot 54% from the field and 66% from distance to open the contest. 

In the early moments of the second frame, the Lions were able to take back the lead but an aggressive Crimson front never allowed the deficit to fall over four.  The game was back to even headed into the media timeout after Katie Krupa and Turner notched back-to-back buckets.  Harvard ultimately headed into the locker room with a 30-29 lead as Gabby Anderson knocked down a jumper in the dying minutes of the frame. 

The Crimson kept it rolling straight out of the gate as Turner knocked down the opening bucket.  But shortly after the Lions were able to regain the lead, growing it to 37-32.  Columbia continued to build on its lead as they held their biggest lead of the contest at the end of the third frame, leading 48-40. 

Harvard continued to show its fight as it battled back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth, including pulling within four with less than 15 seconds remaining.  Abigail Wright fueled the beginning of the Harvard comeback, posting all seven of her points in the final ten minutes of the contest.  Despite, the Crimson pressure, the Lions were ultimately able to prevail, closing out the contest with a 63-61 victory.

Harvard Highlights

• Harmoni Turner led the way for the Crimson, notching 21 points on 8-of-18 shooting including beginning the contest a perfect 4-for-4 from the field.  The junior also added six rebounds, and a team-high four assist and four steals. 
• Katie Krupa posted her third strong performance of the season against the Lions by dropping 16 points on 5-of-8 shooting. 
• Elena led the way on the boards with a team-high nine rebounds, while four other Crimson players grabbed four or more boards. 
• Abigail Wright contributed a crucial seven points on 3-of-6 shooting during the Crimson fourth quarter comeback. 

Next Up

The Crimson will look to earn a spot in the postseason this Sunday following the WBIT selection show.