CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard women's basketball (16-3, 5-2 Ivy) closed its weekend by getting back in the win column and matching its win total from last season by defeating Cornell (5-15, 1-6 Ivy), 72-60.
Harmoni Turner led all scorers with her third straight 20-point performance, contributing 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
How it Happened
The Crimson defense was on display early has it held the Big Red scoreless through the opening five minutes including forcing four turnovers. As Harvard had a relatively slow offensive start and early foul trouble, the Big Red regrouped to take the lead with a 10-0 run. In what was ultimately a low scoring frame for either team, Cornell held a slight 12-11 advantage after the first quarter.
The Crimson attacked early in the second frame, connecting on three of its first four field goal attempts, including a pair of triples from
Harmoni Turner and
Karlee White, to take the lead at 19-18. Harvard continued to grow its lead throughout the second quarter, capping off the half with a buzzer beater from
Katie Krupa to set the lead at 32-25 heading into the locker room.
Harvard continued to grow its lead out of the break, outscoring the Big Red 19-12 in the third frame. The Crimson got contributions all down its lineup in the in the frame to help the team maintain its advantage and go into the fourth with 14-point cushion following another buzzer beater courtesy of Turner.
The Crimson reached its largest lead of the contest four minutes into the final quarter, taking a 66-43 lead off a triple from Turner. Harvard was able to hold off the Big Red's attempted comeback late in the frame, closing the contest, 72-60, to collect its 16
th victory of the season.
Harvard Highlights
- Harmoni Turner led the team with her third straight 20-point performance. Additionally, the senior added five rebounds, four assists, and a steal.
- Elena Rodriguez also surpassed double figures, contributing 11 points, four rebounds, a block, and a steal.
- Saniyah Glenn-Bello led the team with six rebounds while also adding six points against the Big Red.
- The Crimson won the rebounding for the 13th time this season, improving to 12-1 when grabbing more boards than its opponent.
- The Crimson recorded single digit turnovers for the eighth time this season, turning the ball over just nine times against Cornell.
- With the win, the Crimson improve to 76-13 all-time against the Big Red including having won the last six contests.
Next Up
The Crimson will close out its four-game home stretch next weekend as it welcomes the Big Green to Cambridge. Tip-off against Dartmouth is set for 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 8 inside Lavietes Pavilion and on ESPN+.
