CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard women's basketball (7-6) closed out 2025 and its non-conference slate this afternoon by defeating Delaware (6-6), 70-63, in Lavietes Pavilion.
In the victory, Harvard had four players in double figures led by
Saniyah Glenn-Bello with a career-high 20 points and followed by 16 from
Katie Krupa, 13 from
Karlee White, and 11 from
Abigail Wright. Along with her first career 20-piece, Glenn-Bello also recorded six boards and four steals.
How it Happened
The Crimson came out of the gate hot as its smothering defense helped it stall the Blue Hens as its offense rattled off the first 11 points. Delaware settled in, however, pulling within one possession as it tallied the next nine. Throughout the first frame, Harvard forced 10 turnovers and recorded six steals to lead 20-16 at the conclusion.
The second quarter was a more even battle from the start as Delaware ultimately outscored the Crimson, 16-13. Harvard started in a similar fashion and expanded its lead back out to double figures within the first four minutes. The Blue Hens then held the Crimson scoreless for the following four minutes to pull within a single possession. Despite increased pressure from Delaware, Harvard maintained the lead at 33-32 heading into the locker room.
In a fairly even third quarter with the Blue Hens shooting 50%, Harvard's continued defensive pressure was the difference. The Crimson forced nine turnovers as it fended off Delaware and won the quarter 14-13 to lead by two ahead of the final ten minutes.
The Blue Hens continued to battle and took their first lead of the contest at the 5:40 mark in the fourth quarter. Harvard responded, however, as a
Nina Emnace triple tied the contest and shifted the momentum back in favor of the Crimson. Krupa was the ultimate energy shifter for the home team in the final quarter as she tallied 10 points, three assists, and took two charges. Big stops on the defensive end and a string of Harvard free throws closed out the 70-63 win in the final game of 2025.
Harvard Highlights
- Saniyah Glenn-Bello led all scorers with a career-high 20 points while also tallying six rebounds and four steals. The senior has been on a tear in the last nine games, averaging 13.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals.
- Katie Krupa stuffed the stat sheet with 16 points (5-of-11 FG, 6-for-6 FT), five rebounds, four assists, two blocks, one steal, and six fouls drawn. In the fourth quarter alone, Krupa tallied 10 points, three assists, and recorded two charges on four fouls drawn.
- Karlee White recorded double figures for the sixth time in eight games with 13 points. In her second game back from injury, the junior also grabbed seven boards and recorded three takeaways.
- Abigail Wright was the final of four Crimson players in double figures as she added 11 points on 5-of-8 shooting. Wright also collected four boards and three steals.
- The Crimson's defense returned to form this afternoon, forcing 28 Blue Hens turnovers and recording 13 steals. Off Delaware's miscues, Harvard converted for 27 points.
- Harvard won the rebounding battle 38-33 and grabbed half of its boards on the offensive end. White led the way on the offensive glass with five.
- Harvard continues its winning streak against the Blue Hens, having won each of the three matchups between the two teams.
Next Up
The Crimson will begin its quest for an Ivy League title on Saturday, January 3 as it heads to Hanover, N.H. to face Dartmouth at 2:00 p.m. ET.
