The Brown women’s basketball team delivered a stirring performance on Friday night, defeating Cornell 62-47 at the Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence, Rhode Island. With this win, the Bears not only improved their season record to 16-8 overall and 8-4 in Ivy League play, but also clinched their second Ivy Madness berth since the tournament’s inception in 2017. The atmosphere inside the Pizzitola Sports Center was electric, as fans witnessed a blend of history, grit, and sheer determination from the home team.
Head coach Monique LeBlanc, serving as the Elizabeth F. Turner '98 Coaching Chair for Women’s Basketball, has overseen a season of milestones for Brown. The Bears’ eight Ivy League wins this year set a new program-best under her leadership, while the 16 total victories match LeBlanc’s highest single-season total with the university. It’s safe to say that the Bears are peaking at just the right time, with the postseason looming and momentum firmly on their side.
From the opening tip, the contest was a showcase of resilience and timely scoring. Cornell’s Clarke Jackson opened the scoring with two quick baskets, giving the Big Red an early jolt. But Brown answered back in kind, as Grace Arnolie found her rhythm early, netting two baskets to tie the score at four. The Bears soon took control, with Arnolie and Beth Nelson drilling back-to-back three-pointers to secure a 12-7 lead with two minutes left in the first quarter. By the end of the opening frame, Brown had stretched its advantage to 15-9, setting the tone for what was to come.
The second quarter saw Cornell briefly claw back, thanks to a three-pointer by Emily Pape that knotted the game at 16. Ada Anamekwe responded for Brown, but the Big Red’s Rachel Kaus quickly tied it again at 18. That’s when Charlotte Adams-Lopez took over, embarking on a dazzling solo 7-0 run in a mere 90 seconds. Adams-Lopez’s flurry—featuring a layup, a three-pointer, and two free throws—helped the Bears pull away, capitalizing on Cornell’s foul trouble in the closing minute of the half. Brown made four free throws to close out the second quarter, holding the Big Red to just nine points in each of the first two quarters and leading 29-18 at the break.
Grace Arnolie was the undisputed star of the night. She poured in 23 points, marking her ninth 20-point game of the season, and shot a blistering 57% (8-14) from the floor. Arnolie also knocked down three triples, bringing her career total to 204 and moving her into fifth place on Brown’s all-time list for career three-pointers. Her performance was a masterclass in confidence and execution, providing the Bears with a steady hand whenever the game threatened to tighten.
Olivia Young also made her presence felt, finishing with 14 points and shooting 44% (4-9) from beyond the arc. Young not only contributed offensively but also dominated the glass, pulling down nine rebounds to tie her career high for the third time this season. Her ability to stretch the floor and battle inside gave Brown a crucial edge, particularly as the game wore on and fatigue set in for both teams.
The third quarter proved decisive. Young wasted no time, knocking down a three-pointer just 15 seconds into the half. After a brief exchange of baskets, the Bears unleashed a 15-3 run to close out the quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach. Brown outscored Cornell 22-11 in the third, matching the Big Red’s output twice over. The Bears’ defensive intensity never wavered, as they forced turnovers and converted them into quick points. By the end of the third, the lead had ballooned, and the Brown faithful could sense that an Ivy Madness berth was within grasp.
Cornell did their best to mount a comeback in the fourth, tallying their highest-scoring quarter with 18 points. Yet, it was too little, too late. Brown’s depth and composure shone through, as they maintained control and ran out the clock to secure the 62-47 victory. Every Bear who stepped onto the court contributed to the win—whether through scoring, rebounding, or relentless defense.
The significance of this victory cannot be overstated. Not only did Brown clinch a spot in Ivy Madness for just the second time, but they did so with a sense of purpose and unity that has defined their season. Coach LeBlanc’s squad has demonstrated remarkable growth, overcoming early-season setbacks and steadily climbing the Ivy League standings. Their eight conference wins this year are a testament to the team’s hard work, strategic adjustments, and belief in one another.
Looking ahead, the Bears are set to host the Columbia Lions for their final home game of the season on Saturday, February 28, 2026. Tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Pizzitola Sports Center, and the occasion will be even more special as Brown honors its seven-member senior class prior to the game. These seniors have played pivotal roles in shaping the program’s culture and legacy, and their contributions will be celebrated in front of a supportive home crowd.
Beyond the hardwood, the Brown University Sports Foundation (BUSF) plays a crucial role in supporting the Bears’ student-athletes. Through generous philanthropic support from alumni, parents, fans, and friends, BUSF enhances the student-athlete experience and helps Brown athletes excel both in competition and in the classroom. The foundation’s impact is felt every day, fueling the Bears’ pursuit of excellence on and off the court.
Fans eager to keep up with Brown Athletics can follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter and Instagram, like BrownUBears on Facebook, and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel for the latest updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. The Bears’ journey is far from over, and with Ivy Madness on the horizon, anticipation is building for what this determined group can achieve in the postseason.
As the regular season winds down, Brown’s victory over Cornell stands as a testament to resilience, teamwork, and the pursuit of history. With their eyes now set on Columbia and the Ivy Madness tournament, the Bears have given their fans plenty to cheer about—and perhaps even more to look forward to in the weeks ahead.