PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – Harvard women's basketball (9-7, 2-1 Ivy) began its weekend by returning to the win column with a 53-42 win over Penn (10-6, 0-3 Ivy) in the Palestra this afternoon.
Abigail Wright led the Crimson in scoring for the ninth time this season, contributing 14 points. The junior also recorded her second career double-double with 10 boards.
How it Happened
Looking for their first win of the Ivy League season, Penn threw the first punch with a 10-0 game-opening run. Harvard's offensive struggles continued for the quarter and the Quakers led 14-7 at the conclusion of the first frame.
The Crimson settled in during the next frame, holding Penn to just two points. A jumper from
Karlee White ultimately gave the Crimson a lead that it would never again relinquish. While holding the Quakers to 26.9% shooting in the first half, Harvard led 19-16 heading into the locker room.
Harvard then hit the gas to open the third quarter as a 12-3 run in the first four minutes put the Crimson up by double digits. A balanced scoring attack and a 57.1% shooting output from the Crimson in the third had Harvard up 13 with 10 minutes remaining.
Harvard's lead never dipped below nine as it fended off the Quakers in the final frame, improving to 2-1 on the conference slate with its 11-point victory.
Harvard Highlights
- Abigail Wright continued her consistent play against the Quakers, tallying 14 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and a block. This afternoon's performance was the second career double-double for the junior.
- Karlee White and Saniyah Glenn-Bello each added 11 points to join Wright in double figures.
- In her first career start, Olivia Jones tallied five points, eight rebounds, five assists, and a steal.
- The Crimson outrebounded the Quakers 41-31, including grabbing 11 offensive boards.
- Harvard's defense fueled the win as it held the Quakers under 30% shooting from the field and forced 16 turnovers.
- Harvard held the Quakers to just two points in the second quarter and followed it up by scoring 22 points in the third quarter to battle past Penn.
- Harvard extended its lead in the all-time series to 58-38 and has now won each of the last three meetings against the Quakers.
Next Up
The Crimson will have a ranked test next time out as it travels to Princeton, N.J. to take on the No. 22 nationally ranked Princeton Tigers on Monday, January 19 at 2:00 p.m. ET.
