Hoosier Heartbreakers:Women's Basketball Topples No. 25 Indiana

In a program defining game, Harvard women’s basketball (2-0) pulled off a remarkable 72-68 overtime road upset over No. 25 Indiana (1-1), securing the team’s first ranked win under Head Coach Carrie Moore. Senior guards Harmoni Turner and Elena Rodriguez spearheaded the Crimson’s offense, contributing 24 and 15 points, respectively.

Harvard’s precision from long range proved pivotal as the team outshot Indiana from beyond the arc with eight treys to the Hoosiers’ three. Harvard also dominated the turnover battle, forcing 27 Indiana miscues while committing only 18 of its own.

“We feel great, we’re super excited given how people were underestimating us,” commented Turner on the team’s emotion after the game. “We weren't surprised. We prepared a lot leading up and just enjoyed the process throughout each day. We kind of expected it.”

Rodriguez started strong, opening with a smooth floater off the dribble followed by consecutive triples. A quick steal and layup by freshman guard Lydia Chatira extended Harvard’s lead to 10-2, prompting an Indiana timeout.

The break seemed only to fuel Harvard’s momentum with Turner finding her rhythm, scoring a layup off a turnover and two consecutive jumpers to stretch the lead to 16-4. A final three-pointer from freshman guard Alayna Rocco capped the quarter, giving Harvard a commanding 21-7 advantage after the first.

Turner carried her momentum into the second quarter, sinking back-to-back deuces. The Hoosiers finally found an offensive rhythm, answering with an 8-1 run to pull within single digits. Layups from Rodriguez and senior forward Mona Zarić pushed Harvard’s lead to 32-19, but Indiana closed the half with a fierce 11-0 run, cutting Harvard’s lead to just 32-30 at halftime.

The Hoosiers earned their first lead of the game with consecutive field goals to start the third. Harvard answered with a flurry of three pointers, reclaiming control with a 43-34 lead. Indiana’s grit was tested again, but the team responded with a commanding 12-2 run, edging ahead 46-45. A clutch three-pointer by sophomore guard Karlee White put Harvard back on top 48-46, setting the stage for an exhilarating fourth quarter.

The fourth quarter opened with both teams exchanging blows in a thrilling stretch that featured six straight lead changes. Harvard seemingly gained control at the halfway point, relying on free throws to edge ahead 57-53. But Indiana responded fiercely, mounting a 9-1 run over three minutes to take a 62-58 advantage.

With just 30 seconds left, Harvard was on the ropes, trailing 63-60. Turner drew two defenders on a pick and roll, setting up Rocco for a wide open three pointer, which she buried to tie the game at 63-63. A clutch defensive stop by Zarić forced overtime in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall.

“It was a play designed for the three people in the action,” Turner detailed. “I told Elena [and] Rocco that they’re probably going to send two or three to me so be ready to shoot the ball. They did just that, she was ready and knocked it down.”

In overtime, Turner exploited the fatigued Hoosier defense, powering her way to the basket for a tough layup. Moments later, she intercepted an inbound pass and converted it into another layup, pushing Harvard ahead 67-63. Indiana’s offense faltered in OT, managing only one field goal, while Harvard sealed the game with clutch free throws, securing a 72-68 victory.

“We just didn't want to lose that game,” said Turner of the team’s mentality in overtime. “We knew that it was going to start on the defensive end. We locked in on the things that we can control, which is our defense, and allowed that to take us to the W.”

Harvard remains perfect through the first two games of the season and seems poised to claim its first Ivy League title since 2008. The season continues this Sunday, Nov 10 on the road against Quinnipiac University. The game is streamable on ESPN+.

—Staff writer Oscar E. Mercado can be reached at oscar.mercado@thecrimson.com