Harvard’s women’s basketball team is gearing up for an exciting weekend at home. They will face Penn and No. 25 Princeton in their final regular-season games. The action kicks off on Friday, February 27, at 7:00 p.m. ET against the Quakers, followed by a Saturday game against the Tigers on February 28 at 6:00 p.m. This Saturday’s match will also celebrate Senior Night and the Play4Kay game, highlighting the Crimson’s commitment to supporting women’s health initiatives.
### Recent Performance
In their last game, the Crimson dominated Cornell, winning 74-37. Karlee White stole the spotlight with a stellar performance, scoring 24 points and grabbing five rebounds. It was her 10th consecutive game scoring in double figures, highlighting her impressive season. Katie Krupa contributed 10 points, while Olivia Jones had a remarkable all-around game with nine rebounds, eight points, and seven assists.
Notably, Harvard’s defense was a game-changer. They forced 21 turnovers, allowing them to score 25 points off those mistakes and outscored Cornell in the paint 40-12.
### Rising Stars
Karlee White and Abigail Wright have stepped up this season as key players. Both juniors are scoring at career-high rates, with White averaging 15.5 points and Wright at 13.8 points per game. Their performance places them among the top scorers in the Ivy League. Wright is also making a mark as a strong rebounder, ranked sixth in the league with an average of 6.5 rebounds per game.
Senior Saniyah Glenn-Bello is also having a standout season. With career highs in various stats, including 11.5 points and 1.2 blocks per game, she ranks second in the league for blocks. She earned her first Ivy League Player of the Week honor after a strong showing against Brown, where she scored 17.5 points per game.
### Fresh Faces
Freshman Olivia Jones has quickly made her mark, earning Ivy League Rookie of the Week seven times this season. Her consistent play, especially in recent games, underscores her potential. Fellow freshman Aubrey Shaw also impressed recently, scoring a career-high 15 points against Dartmouth.
### League Standings
Currently, Harvard stands third in the Ivy League with an 8-3 record. A victory over Penn could secure their spot in the Ivy League Tournament for the fifth consecutive year. Columbia and Princeton are leading the pack and have already clinched their tournament spots.
### Historical Context
The rivalry with Penn spans decades, with Harvard holding a 58-38 edge in their all-time series. They’ve secured victories in their last three meetings, showcasing their competitive edge.
### Looking Ahead
After this weekend, Harvard’s regular season will close against Columbia in New York City on March 7 at 2:00 p.m. ET. It’s shaping up to be a thrilling end to their season, with hopes of a strong performance in the Ivy League Tournament.
This season has seen the Crimson balance a challenging schedule, with games against power conference teams like No. 13 Michigan and Alabama, which sets the stage for their upcoming opportunities and potential success.
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