Heartbreaking Ivy Semifinal Loss: Princeton Women’s Basketball Narrowly Falls to Harvard, 70-67

The Princeton Women’s Basketball Team faced a tough defeat against the Harvard Crimson, losing 70-67 in the Ivy League Tournament Semifinal. The game was intense, with both teams fighting hard for a spot in the finals.

With just under two minutes left, Skye Belker hit a crucial three-pointer, bringing Princeton within one point at 68-67. However, after a missed shot from Harvard and a turnover by Princeton, Abigail Wright scored for Harvard, giving them the edge. Despite having two opportunities to tie the game, the Tigers couldn’t convert, sealing their fate in this close contest.

Harvard began with a strong start, taking six of the first eight points, but Princeton responded with an impressive 11-2 run, leading 13-8. They maintained a slight edge, finishing the first quarter up 15-11. In the second quarter, an aggressive play from Ashley Chea pushed Princeton’s lead to 26-16— their first double-digit margin. Yet, Harvard countered with a swift rally, closing the gap to just two points at halftime, with Princeton up 36-31.

The second half kicked off with Princeton launching a 12-4 run, stretching their lead to 48-35. But Harvard wasn’t finished. They fought back fiercely, shrinking the deficit to just one point by the end of the third quarter.

In this tight game, Skye Belker led Princeton with 20 points, supported by Ashley Chea with 15 and Fadima Tall adding 11. Interestingly, Harvard’s Harmoni Turner dominated the scoreboard, finishing with a remarkable 44 points.

This season, Princeton has shown resilience and skill, finishing with a record of 21-7. They now await the NCAA Selection Show, scheduled for Sunday at 8 p.m. on ESPN. The anticipation builds for whether they will receive an invitation to the tournament.

Historically, the Ivy League has seen teams like Harvard and Princeton competing fiercely, echoing past rivalries that have shaped women’s college basketball. Recent data suggests an increase in viewership for women’s sports, with ESPN reporting that women’s basketball viewership surged by 74% in the past year. This trend highlights the growing interest and support for women’s athletics, promising a bright future for teams like Princeton.

As fans rally on social media, they share their hopes and excitement about the team’s next steps. The spirit of competition and community continues to thrive, making events like the NCAA Selection Show even more significant for teams and their supporters alike.



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