MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota native
Sam Wills provided a bright spot in Harvard women's basketball's season opening loss to No. 17 Minnesota this evening in Minneapolis.
Off the bench for the Crimson, Wills went a perfect 8-for-8 shooting to score a team-high and career-high 20 points. Wills also added four rebounds and two steals in 20 minutes this evening. Despite the breakout performance by the sophomore, Harvard fell to the Gophers, 82-62.
How it Happened
Foul trouble plagued Harvard in the first 10 minutes of the contest, but the Crimson battled tightly with the Gophers. Neither team was able to put together a significant run in the opening frame, and the Gophers held a slim 17-14 lead at the end of 10 minutes.
A basket from Gracie Merkley in the opening minute of the second quarter gave Minnesota its largest lead so far at five points. Less than four minutes later, however, a three from Wills tied the contest at 23-all. Down the stretch, the Gophers went on a 7-1 run to add some cushion and lead 37-30 at the halfway mark.
Harvard immediately eliminated the deficit out of the break, going on a 7-0 run in the first two and half minutes of the second half. Minnesota was able to stop the Crimson's growing momentum, however. At the five-minute mark the Gophers had rebuilt their lead, responding with their own 7-0 swing.
Five straight points from Wills kickstarted Harvard's offense again after Minnesota extended its lead to eight. With 18 second remaining in the half, an and-one opportunity for
Olivia Jones gave Harvard its first lead since early in the first quarter. Minnesota stormed down the court in the final seconds and hit a three to end the frame back in front. After outscoring Minnesota 22-17 in the third quarter, Harvard trailed by just two heading into the final ten minutes.
With more foul trouble for the Crimson, the Gophers were able to build a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter. Despite testing the ranked Minnesota squad, the Gophers ultimately came away with the 82-62 victory over the Crimson on opening night.
Harvard Highlights
- Previously, Sam Wills had career highs of seven minutes played and three points scored in a single game. This evening she shattered both those career highs in a breakout performance. Wills scored 20 points on a perfect 8-for-8 from the field, including 4-for-4 from three, in 20 minutes off the bench.
- Olivia Jones added 14 points and five rebounds in the first game of her sophomore campaign.
- Karlee White totaled 11 points, five assists, four rebounds, and four steals against the Gophers.
- Abigail Wright led on the glass with seven boards.
Next Up
Harvard will host Boston College in its home opener on Thursday, November 5. Tip-off between the Massachusetts rivals is slated for 7:00 p.m. in Lavietes Pavilion.
