Preview: Dartmouth Big Green at Princeton Tigers

PRINCETON, N.J. (Interstat) — A surging Princeton squad looks to continue its dominant start to the season when it hosts a struggling Dartmouth team in an Ivy League women’s basketball matchup Saturday at Jadwin Gymnasium.

The Tigers (14-1) enter with the best record in the conference, having won nine straight games since their lone loss. Their most recent victory was a commanding 76-50 road win at Yale on Jan. 10, led by 17 points from guard Ashley Chea. Forward Olivia Hutcherson, a consistent force, added 12 points and seven rebounds in that contest and is averaging 15.4 points over her last five games.

Princeton’s offense has been potent, scoring 74 points or more in seven games this season, including a 100-point outing against Penn State in November.

Dartmouth (9-6) seeks to regain momentum after dropping three of its last four games. The Big Green fell 61-52 to Cornell at home last Saturday, despite 12 points and six rebounds from forward Cate MacDonald. MacDonald has been a bright spot, averaging 12.4 points and 6.0 rebounds per game over her last five outings, including a 17-point performance in a loss to Harvard on Jan. 3.

The Big Green have struggled offensively against stronger competition, failing to reach 60 points in three of their six losses this season. Containing Princeton’s balanced attack, which features four players averaging double-figure scoring during its win streak, will be Dartmouth’s primary challenge.

Historically, Princeton has controlled the series, winning the last 15 meetings. Dartmouth’s last victory over the Tigers came in 2010.

Following this game, Princeton will host Harvard on Monday, Jan. 19. Dartmouth will travel to face Penn the same day.

Tip-off is scheduled for 2 p.m. EST.