It wasn’t even close, but then it was. Columbia University women’s basketball saw a 20-point lead disappear after intense play from Harvard, but the Lions came made some crucial stops and big buckets to triumph 77–71. The victory on Sunday afternoon earned Columbia a spot in the WNIT’s Fab 4, extending what people are calling Columbia’s revenge tour after a loss to Harvard in the Ivy League Tournament.
Columbia’s high scorer was senior Kaitlyn Davis, who had 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. While those who have followed Davis’s collegiate career are very aware that they could be seeing her in a Columbia uniform for the last time, Davis said during the action that she’s staying focused on the task at hand.
“I’m really not thinking about that in the moment,” said Davis. “Staying present has been really important, especially in this post-season, through all the games. I’m just trying to stay focused on my teammates in the moment. Maybe afterward, I’ll think, ‘That could have been my last game.’ This is a unique team and we have gone very far.”
Point guard Kitty Henderson had 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists. Post-game, she joked that she and her teammates like to keep games close to give spectators some excitement. After the game, they told Griffith they’d gotten bored and decided to liven things up. Henderson praised Davis as a teammate.
“She’s the best player I’ve ever played with,” Henderson said. “She literally does everything on the floor…She hits big-time shots; she’s clutch as hell. Our defense has the clutch gene. Playing with KD is just really fun.”
Griffith said it’s hard to imagine the team without Davis, saying she’s a unique player because of all her abilities. Opposing teams struggle to scout her.
Other players in double figures were Jaida Patrick with 10 points and Abbey Hsu with 12 points.
“[Harvard] really battled today,” said Columbia head coach Megan Griffith. “They never gave up, which is great. That’s what you want. That’s what you hope people are playing with in March. It’s a great Harvard team. We were excited to get another shot at them. I felt like it was the basketball gods saying this was meant to happen. We’re taking that revenge and we’re ready for the Fab 4, so here we come.”
Columbia played last night for a shot at the WNIT title game.
