Harvard swept Yale in last year's games, but its 70-68 overtime win in New Haven could not have been much closer. But with senior center Melissa Johnson relatively healthy and the added presence of the freshmen Tricia Tubridy and Hana Peljto inside, Harvard stands a good chance of dominanting the boards like it did in its 93-77 win over the Elis at Lavietes last season.
To come out with wins in either game, Harvard will focus on getting off to a solid start--that was key in its past two wins against Boston University and Dartmouth, which the Crimson opened with 10-0 and 7-0 runs, respectively. Gates has led the way, scoring five in each of those runs.
"In previous games we've started down 10, but now we're starting up 10," Gates said. "That's been making all the difference."
The game at Yale tip-offs at 6 p.m. tonight. Harvard's chance at redemption against Brown will begin at 7 p.m. tomorrow.