Tomorrow’s game could be a major turning point the women’s basketball team’s season as the Red will be looking for its first season-sweep of an Ivy League team in nearly three years when it takes the court tomorrow against Columbia. The Red won the first meeting last weekend in New York, 75-60.
Despite a 5-11 record, the women are fourth in the Ivy League standings at 2-1, the highest position the squad has held in over two years. A win would also give the Red its best start to an Ivy League season since the 2001-2002 campaign when the team won its first three games against Ancient Eight foes.
“Oh, definitely,” said sophomore guard Lindsay Krasna, the Red’s leading scorer last season, about whether this game is especially important.
In the Red’s win last weekend, all five starters scored in double figures for the first time in five years. It’s just one of many signs that the Red’s offense is coming alive since the start of league play.
The team is averaging 73 points per game against Ivy League opponents, nearly 10 points per game better than its scoring record in its non-conference contests.
The offense has been led by an unlikely hero in rookie Jeomi Maduka, who has earned five Ivy League Rookie of the Week honors this season, including this week’s award. Against the Lions, the freshman tied career-highs with 22 points and five steals to go along with her 14 rebounds.
“We’ve been able to establish an inside game and an inside presence,” said head coach Dayna Smith. “Jeomi had a very good game, so I expect them to focus on that.”
The Red has scored 155 points in its last two games, and scored 80 points against Princeton in its opening league game. The difference, according to Krasna, has come from the ability to run the floor and maintain an efficient offense.
“I think one of things has been running the ball and getting transition baskets,” the shooting guard said. “We’ve been getting some easier open looks