Women’s Basketball: Terriers Face Crimson Over Break

Featured image by Jackson Shahinfar

By Avery Kreitler

Boston University Women’s Basketball (5-4, 0-0 PL) will renew its rivalry with Harvard University (10-1, 0-0 Ivy League) on Saturday, Dec. 21 at Lavietes Pavilion in Cambridge. 

This matchup offers the Terriers a chance to build momentum against one of the strongest teams in the Ivy League.

BU, ranked sixth in the Patriot League, is looking to extend its road winning streak to three games. The Terriers have proven themselves resilient on the road this season, with three of their four away games decided by single digits.

Most recently, BU defeated UMass Lowell 62-55 on Dec. 12, outscoring the River Hawks 21-11 in the fourth quarter.

Freshman forward Allison Schwertener led the way in that victory, recording her first collegiate double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Her breakout performances this season have earned her three Patriot League Rookie of the Week honors — the most in the conference.

Averaging 9.9 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, Schwertener has quickly become a key piece of BU’s lineup.

Alongside Schwertener, senior guard Alex Giannaros continues to be a cornerstone of the Terriers’ offense. She tallied 13 points in the win against UMass Lowell and is averaging a team-high 15 points per game this season.

Giannaros is also on the verge of major career milestones, needing one more three-pointer to tie for fifth place in program history and 10 field goals to reach 400.

Sophomore guard Bella McLaughlin, who added 10 points in the Terriers’ last outing, has also been a consistent contributor, averaging 7.9 points per game.

Junior forward Audrey Ericksen provides additional depth, chipping in 7.1 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest.

The Terriers face a tough challenge against a Harvard team, riding an eight-game winning streak. The Crimson, ranked 34th in the latest NET Rankings — the highest in program history — are also receiving votes in the Associated Press Top 25 poll.

With three victories over Power Four opponents this season, senior guard Harmoni Turner leads the Crimson with 21.4 points per game and ranks among the nation’s leaders in steals.

Turner is supported by senior guard Elena Rodriguez, who averages 12.1 points per game, and junior guard Gabby Anderson, a defensive anchor with 5.6 rebounds per game.

Freshman guard Alayna Rocco has also impressed, contributing 5.8 points per game in her first collegiate season.

Saturday’s game will be the 39th all-time meeting between the two programs, with Harvard holding a 22-16 edge in the series.

However, BU emerged victorious in last season’s thrilling contest, an 80-77 win at Case Gym. In that game, Giannaros dominated with 20 points and seven assists, as Ericksen sealed the victory with a clutch jumper in the final moments.

For BU, this game represents an opportunity to make a statement against a Harvard team that has been climbing the national rankings. The matchup will take place at Lavietes Pavilion and will be streamed live on ESPN+. Tipoff is scheduled for 12 p.m. EST.