CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – In a thrilling development for Harvard women's basketball, the team is set to make its long-awaited return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 18 years. This historic event will kick off on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the Crimson, boasting their highest seed in program history at No. 10, will face the seven-seeded Michigan State Spartans. Tip-off at the James T. Valvano Arena is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. ET.
Harvard’s journey to this momentous occasion has been marked by pivotal victories and standout performances. The Crimson has participated in the NCAA Tournament six times previously, with its first appearance occurring back in 1996. Notably, during the 1998 tournament, the team achieved a groundbreaking victory as a 16-seed, becoming the only team ever to defeat a 1-seed in NCAA history, when they bested the Stanford Cardinal 71-67. Since then, they have faced various challenges, including three additional appearances in 2002, 2003, and 2007, but have not prevailed in extending their playoff success.
This season marks a significant turnaround for the Crimson under the leadership of head coach Carrie Moore, who is steering the team in her inaugural NCAA Tournament appearance as head coach. Moore, who previously assisted the Michigan Wolverines during their 2002 Elite Eight run, is drawing upon extensive experience to guide Harvard into this monumental moment. Following a promising first year, where she led the Crimson to a historic run to the Great 8 of the WNIT, Moore has quickly established a reputation for getting the most out of her players.
One of those players, Harmoni Turner, has been a shining star throughout the season and during the Ivy League Tournament, leading the team with exceptional performances. The Crimson claimed their first Ivy League tournament crown demonstrating their prowess by overcoming major foes, including a remarkable upset victory against the defending champion Princeton Tigers 70-67. In this matchup, Turner shattered her previous program single-game scoring record by netting an astonishing 44 points. This feat not only solidified her place among the ranks of the greats but also lifted her team with unmatched determination.
Following their triumph over Princeton, the Crimson displayed their poise and resilience once again by defeating the top-seeded Columbia Lions 74-71, thus securing their coveted NCAA Tournament berth. Turner shone again, contributing 24 points during this match, and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player, a testament to her remarkable ability to perform under pressure. As a significant milestone in her career, she surpassed 2,000 career points, making her the third player in program history to achieve this significant feat.
Alongside Turner, Elena Rodriguez played a crucial role, adding 13 points and a career-high nine assists in the game against Columbia, further proving her value on the court as part of the All-Tournament team. The depth of the team was on display as eight Crimson players contributed to the scoring effort, with impressive performances from Karlee White and others who combined to make significant contributions off the bench, tallying 31 points collectively in the decisive matchup.
Looking ahead to their first-round NCAA Tournament game, the Crimson will face a formidable opponent in the Michigan State Spartans, who arrive at this matchup with a record of 21-9, including a challenging 11-7 mark in Big Ten play. Their recent struggles include three losses in the last five games, but the Crimson are geared up and ready to seize this opportunity in the tournament.
Interestingly, the Spartans' head coach Robyn Fralick has a connection with Moore, having been a graduate assistant during Moore's senior year at Western Michigan. This shared history adds an intriguing dimension to their matchup as both coaches prepare their teams for this critical showdown.
If Harvard emerges victorious against Michigan State, they will advance to the NCAA Round of 32, where they would likely face the winner of the NC State vs. Vermont game on Monday, March 24, 2025. As they gear up for a momentous return to the NCAA Tournament, the Crimson have ignited enthusiasm among their supporters, marking a proud chapter in their basketball history. With a strong season behind them and an exciting tournament ahead, Harvard women's basketball is ready to make their mark.
Turning the tide has been a theme for Moore and her coaching staff, who have successfully transformed the program's culture, resulting in Harvard tying a program record with a 22-4 mark this season, matched only by the historic 1997-98 team. An unwavering commitment to defense and tenacity has made them a force in the league, ranking among the nation’s best. As March Madness unfolds, all eyes will be on the Crimson as they pursue NCAA glory.
