The Harvard women's basketball team is set to embark on a challenging early-season slate, facing off against ranked opponents and conference foes as they look to build momentum heading into Ivy League play. With a mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, the Crimson are poised to make a statement on the national stage.

Crimson Cagers Primed for Marquee Matchups

Clash with Ranked Hoosiers Kicks Off Busy Week

The Harvard women's basketball team will waste no time in testing their mettle, as they open the week with a highly anticipated showdown against the 25th-ranked Indiana Hoosiers. This mid-week clash, set to take place on Thursday, November 7th at 7:00 PM in Assembly Hall, will provide the Crimson with an early opportunity to showcase their talent against a formidable Big Ten opponent. Fans can catch the action on the Big 10+ network.Following the clash with the Hoosiers, the Crimson will head east to take on Quinnipiac on Sunday, November 10th at 2:00 PM in M&T Bank Arena. This matchup against the Bobcats will be broadcast on ESPN+, giving the Crimson a chance to build on their early-season momentum and potentially take the lead in the all-time series between the two programs.

Crimson Embark on Challenging Non-Conference Slate

The 2024-25 season will see the Harvard women's basketball team take on a demanding non-conference schedule, with 13 games before the start of Ivy League play in January. Six of these contests will take place within the friendly confines of Lavietes Pavilion, including the season opener against in-state rival UMass-Amherst.The Crimson will also welcome a host of regional foes to Cambridge, including Boston College (November 14th), Northeastern (November 19th), Rhode Island (December 7th), Boston University (December 21st), and Delaware (December 30th). These matchups will not only test the Crimson's mettle but also provide valuable experience as they prepare for the rigors of Ivy League competition.

Crimson Flex Defensive Muscle in Season Opener

The Crimson wasted no time in showcasing their defensive prowess, as they opened the season with a dominant 71-58 victory over in-state rival UMass. Harvard's stifling defense was on full display, as they recorded 19 steals – their highest total since the 2021-22 campaign – and forced the Minutewomen into a staggering 34 turnovers. The Crimson's defensive efforts also resulted in 8 blocks, with 33 of their 71 points coming off of UMass' miscues.These defensive numbers are a testament to the Crimson's commitment to disrupting their opponents' offensive flow. Their ability to generate turnovers and convert them into points will be a crucial factor in their success throughout the season, as they look to establish themselves as one of the premier defensive teams in the country.

Standout Performances Fuel Crimson's Opening Night Victory

The Crimson's season-opening triumph was fueled by several standout individual performances, led by junior guard Gabby Anderson. Anderson poured in a career-high 20 points on 7-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc. The Columbus, Ohio native also contributed 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks, all while avoiding any personal fouls.Joining Anderson in the scoring column was fellow junior Elena Rodriguez, who added 18 points on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting performance. Rodriguez also grabbed a team-high 8 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and recorded 4 steals.These impressive individual efforts, coupled with the Crimson's stifling team defense, set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and successful season for the Harvard women's basketball program.

Crimson Poised for Ivy League Dominance

Heading into the 2024-25 campaign, the Harvard women's basketball team has been pegged as a top contender in the Ivy League, earning a third-place preseason ranking with 101 points, including one first-place vote. The Crimson trail only Princeton (122 points) and Columbia (110 points) in the preseason poll, a testament to the program's sustained excellence and the high expectations surrounding this year's squad.The Crimson's success this season will be bolstered by the return of 80% of their scoring from the previous year, led by the dynamic duo of Harmoni Turner and Katie Krupa. Turner, a junior guard, is coming off a dominant season in which she earned first-team All-Ivy honors for the second consecutive year. Ahead of the 2024-25 season, Turner was named to the prestigious Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, further solidifying her status as one of the top players in the country.Joining Turner and Krupa in the Crimson's experienced core are Elena Rodriguez and Abigail Wright, who round out the team's top four scorers from a year ago. With this wealth of returning talent, coupled with the addition of five highly touted first-year players, the Crimson are poised to make a strong push for the Ivy League title and potentially earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.