Women’s basketball picks up second win of season against Davidson

Sunday, the Princeton women’s basketball team (2–7) gained its second win this season as the Tigers played Davidson (4–4) at home in Jadwin Gymnasium. Coming off of a six-game losing streak, the Tigers were motivated to get the win this weekend.

Throughout the game, the score was continuously back and forth. Fans were biting their nails as the score was 27–24 Princeton at the end of the first half. The end of the third quarter gave Davidson a one-point lead, 45–44, its first lead of the second half. The Tigers started to chip their lead away as sophomore Carlie Littlefield made back-to-back free throws to put the score at 53–51 near the end of the fourth quarter.

During the game, Littlefield had 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals. Littlefield had been named Ivy League Player of the Week last week. Seniors Gabrielle Rush and Sydney Jordan both had double-digit points to help the offense, with Rush scoring 12 and Jordan scoring 14. Sophomore Sydney Boyer had seven points to contribute to the scoreboard.

Littlefield explained that the Tigers set out with the goal of winning the Ivy League tournament. “We have been working toward this goal by being committed to getting better each day and establishing the expectation of hard work as part of our team culture,” she said.

As predominantly young team, the Tigers have been struggling with lack of overall experience. Despite that, Littlefield explained that they “have learned a lot about being the tougher team and controlling the things that can be controlled, like rebounding.” These factors become even more important when the score isn’t in favor of the Tigers.

Davidson came into the game with a 42.1 rebound percentage while the Tigers trailed at 34.4. Knowing that they could control the game if they could control the rebounds, this lesson became crucial in the game. Rush led the team with 10 total rebounds, which is one-third of the 30 rebounds by the team on Sunday afternoon. Boyer also had a personal high of eight rebounds in the win.

Davidson is also one of the top teams in the NCAA for defense around the three-point line, so consistency became key for the Tigers. Overall, the women made a total of seven out of 17 three-point attempts.

After losing six games in a row, the Tigers showed their strength against Davidson. Littlefield noted that their losing streak motivated them to get better by showing them exactly what they need to improve.

Looking into the near future and the goal of winning the Ivy League championship, the women are improving in every way they can. Littlefield commented on this by saying, “Our team dynamic is more eager and energetic to learn and get better.”

Princeton will play the Quinnipiac Bobcats this Saturday, Dec. 8, at 7 p.m. in Jadwin Gym.