CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Interstat) — In a game defined by relentless defensive pressure and squandered opportunities, the Harvard women’s basketball team overcame a poor shooting performance to defeat Delaware 70-63 on Monday afternoon at Lavietes Pavilion.

The Crimson improved to 7-6 overall, while the Blue Hens fell to an even 6-6.

Harvard’s victory was secured not by offensive efficiency but by a disruptive defense that forced 26 Delaware turnovers, converting them into 27 points. The Crimson shot just 35.8% from the field and a dismal 15% from three-point range. However, they dominated the offensive glass with 14 rebounds, leading to 18 second-chance points, and were nearly perfect at the free throw line, making 19 of 21 attempts.

Delaware, which led for stretches of the first half, was ultimately undone by its own carelessness with the ball. The Blue Hens shot a respectable 45.1% from the field and 84.6% from the line but managed only 79 possessions due to the turnover barrage. Harvard’s 13 steals were a season-high and the key catalyst for their offense on a afternoon when shots were not falling.

The most important sequence of the game came late in the fourth quarter with Harvard clinging to a narrow lead. Leading 65-63 with under 30 seconds to play, Harvard’s defense forced a critical turnover. Following a timeout, Delaware’s Ella Wanzer attempted a game-tying three-pointer, which was blocked by Harvard’s Alayna Rocco. Rocco secured the rebound and was fouled, making one of two free throws to extend the lead to three points. On the ensuing possession, Delaware’s Ande’a Cherisier fouled Harvard’s Saniyah Glenn, who sank both free throws with 15 seconds left to seal the 70-63 final margin, capping a 23-point fourth quarter for the Crimson.

Harvard was led by Saniyah Glenn, who scored a game-high 20 points, adding six rebounds and three steals. Katie Krupa provided a crucial all-around effort with 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two blocks. Karlee White posted 13 points and seven rebounds, while Abigail Wright contributed 11 points and four rebounds.

For Delaware, Ande’a Cherisier of Baltimore was the standout performer with 18 points and six rebounds. Safi Kolliegbo scored 11 points, and Lay Fantroy added 10 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Harvard opened the game on a 9-0 run, but Delaware responded with a 13-2 surge of its own to take a brief lead. The first half was a back-and-forth affair featuring nine lead changes, with Delaware taking a 32-33 deficit into halftime after a tightly contested second quarter.

The third quarter proved decisive. Harvard’s defense tightened, holding Delaware to 13 points on 5-of-13 shooting while forcing seven turnovers. Though the Crimson only managed 14 points themselves in the period, they built a 47-45 lead heading to the fourth, a margin they would not relinquish. Harvard then opened the final quarter with a 7-2 run to create separation and relied on its defense and free-throw shooting to close out the game.

Harvard next travels to face Dartmouth on Saturday to open Ivy League play. Delaware continues its road trip at UTEP on Friday.