Columbia Lions remain undefeated in the Ivy League, defeating Harvard Women’s Basketball 80-71!

Cambridge, MA – Columbia Women’s Basketball (16-4, 7-0 Ivy) team scored 80 points on the Harvard Crimsons (16-3, 5-2 Ivy), a team known this season for giving up the least amount of points, defeating them 80-71 at Harvard’s Lavietes Pavilion on Friday, January 31. Going into this game, there was great anticipation since Columbia is currently ranked first in the Ivy League with Harvard closely following. Additionally, Harvard is ranked No. 1 in defense and Columbia is ranked No. 1 in offense, creating the basis for a great game. 

First Quarter (23-14, CU Lead)
The first quarter started out strong with Susie Rafu (CC ‘26) getting the first points of the game off of a layup with an assist from senior Cecelia Collins (CC ‘25). There was a definite focus on defense in the first quarter, especially exemplified by the Lions’ full court press, leading to a steal and a good three pointer by Riley Weiss (CC ‘27) only 4:27 into the game. CU continued to put a lot of pressure on Harvard during their defensive transition and did not allow Harvard many second chances on baskets, collecting many of their defensive rebounds. The Lions also repped their title of No. 1 offense with their continued ball movement, good spacing, and great cuts to the baskets. The quarter ended with Riley Weiss scoring a buzzer beating layup in the paint, making her total of points 10 only in the first quarter. 

Second Quarter (40-30, CU Lead)
After a rough first quarter for the Crimsons, they came out with more energy and fierceness, causing a shot clock violation for CU within the first minute of the quarter. Harvard gained momentum and the Crimsons were able to cut the lead down to four with a score of 25-21 still in favor of Columbia. Momentum then shifted again with a layup by Kitty Henderson (CC ‘25), followed by points from Cecelia Collins and Riley Weiss. The game evened out and Harvard began their full court press, but the Lions’ guards were more aggressive and Harvard did not react well to the physicality. Applying pressure in order to slow Harvard’s transition, Columbia was able to end the quarter up by 10 with a score of 40-30. 

Third Quarter (60-46, CU Lead)
The third quarter was much slower than the first two, with defensive pressure being applied by both teams and not much scoring happening on either side. About halfway through the quarter CU started to make good shots starting with Kitty Henderson shooting a good layup and Riley Weiss scoring and drawing free throws. Then on a run, CU garnered a point differential of 12, forcing a Harvard timeout. With four minutes left in the quarter, Riley Weiss, with an impossible finish, made her way through three defenders for the and one, making her point total 20 and marking this as her fifth game with 20 points this season. Kitty Henderson also put in the work, scoring 9 of her points in this quarter, allowing the Lions to continue their lead into the fourth quarter.

Fourth Quarter (80-71, CU Lead)
This quarter started off strong with sophomore Riley Weiss netting her 26th point within the first minute of the game off of a three pointer on a fast break, a new career high for Weiss. With CU on a roll they were able to pull the lead ahead to 18 points, the largest lead of the whole game. Harvard then came in with much more intensity on defense and Columbia got into a bit of trouble with three players each having four fouls and Harvard on an 8-0 run closing the lead to 11 points with about five minutes left in the game. Despite Harvard’s great efforts to rally, CU’s stellar offense and ramped up defense did not allow Harvard a chance to win. With 20 seconds left in the game, Harvard closed the gap to seven points and CU took a timeout. Then, with 12 seconds left in the game, Kitty Henderson was fouled and made 2/2 of her free throws, bringing home the CU win with a score of 80-71! 

This game was big for Columbia and the Lions scored the most points Harvard has given up all season. Additionally, Harvard only led the game for around a minute at the beginning of the first quarter. In a post game interview, head coach Megan Griffith responded to being called the “aggressors on defense” during the game rather than Harvard, and she responded, “That’s how we play.” And so, the Lions continue their undefeated streak in the Ivy League and will continue to fight for the rest of their season. 

You can see the CU WBB team play at home next on Friday, February 14 at Schiller Court in Levien Gymnasium against Dartmouth at 7 pm. Buy tickets here. Let’s go Lions!

Header via Bwog Archives