The University of Pennsylvania women’s basketball team faced No. 25 Princeton in the Ivy League opener on Saturday, losing 74-68 at home. Penn trailed by nine points after three quarters but surged ahead with a 15-2 run early in the fourth quarter to take a four-point lead. However, Princeton responded with eight consecutive points and held off the Quakers’ comeback attempt.
This result ended Penn’s five-game winning streak, moving their record to 10-4 for the season. Princeton improved to 13-1.
Penn had an advantage on the boards, outrebounding Princeton 36-33 and outscoring them in the paint 28-24. The Quakers also recorded 17 assists on their 26 made baskets.
Junior Mataya Gayle led Penn with 17 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Sophomore Katie Collins contributed 15 points and six rebounds, while junior Tina Njike added 13 points and four rebounds. Seniors Saniah Caldwell and Simone Sawyer each scored six points; Caldwell hit two key three-pointers in the fourth quarter. Brooke Suttle finished with five points, five rebounds, three assists, and a blocked shot. Gabriella Kelley provided six points and three rebounds.
For Princeton, Olivia Hutcherson scored a game-high 20 points. Madison St. Rose reached her 1,000th career point during her 15-point performance. Skye Belker added ten points, while Fadima Tall had seven points and collected eight rebounds.
Penn started strong but fell behind as Princeton used a late first-quarter run to build a double-digit lead by halftime (38-30). The third quarter was closely contested before another Tigers surge pushed their lead back to double digits entering the final period.
The Quakers erased their deficit quickly in the fourth quarter but could not maintain their momentum as Princeton regained control down the stretch.
Next up for Penn is an away game against Brown next Saturday at Pizzitola Sports Center in Providence.
For updates on Penn women’s basketball, follow @PennWBB on X (formerly Twitter) or visit PennAthletics.com.
