PREVIEW: Yale Women Set for Tall Task at Princeton

PRINCETON, N.J. (Interstat) — The Yale Bulldogs face a monumental challenge Saturday when they visit the sixth-ranked Princeton Tigers in a women’s basketball matchup at Jadwin Gymnasium.

Tipoff is set for March 7, 2026, in a game that pits the Ivy League’s top team against one near the bottom of the standings. Princeton (23-3 overall) enters as the heavy favorite, boasting a dominant conference record and national ranking. Yale (7-19) seeks a season-defining upset in its regular-season finale.

The Tigers have been nearly flawless in Ivy play, with their only league loss a 70-56 setback at Columbia on Feb. 13. They are led by guard Fadima Tall, who averages a team-high 15.2 points per game. Tall scored 18 points in Princeton’s most recent win, a 62-49 victory at Harvard on Feb. 28.

Princeton’s defense has been stifling, holding opponents to an average of 49.8 points in conference games. In the previous meeting this season, the Tigers routed Yale 76-50 in New Haven on Jan. 10.

Yale will counter with center Mary Meng, a consistent force in the paint. Over her last six games, Meng is averaging 9.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.7 blocks. She posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds in a win over Dartmouth on Feb. 14 and blocked six shots in a 57-45 victory over Cornell on Feb. 28, Yale’s most recent game.

The Bulldogs have struggled for consistency, alternating wins and losses over their past six contests. Their offense will need a significant boost to challenge Princeton’s elite defense; Yale averages just 56.4 points per game in Ivy League play.

For Princeton, a win would secure the outright Ivy League regular-season championship and the top seed in the upcoming conference tournament. Yale is playing for pride and momentum heading into the postseason.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ at 5 p.m. EST.