The University of Massachusetts women's basketball team could not overcome an early 17-point deficit and lost its last nonconference game 72-60 to Harvard on Wednesday night at the Mullins Center.

The Crimson (8-4) took a 21-4 lead with 13 minutes, 28 seconds left in the first half and maintained a 46-29 advantage at halftime.

After trailing by as many as 21 points early in the second half, the Minutewomen (6-9) got within 58-54 with 7:04 left but could not cut the deficit any further.

Nicole Jones scored a game-high 22 points for UMass, and Kristina Danella added 19 points, seven rebounds, two steals and one assist.

Jasmine Watson had a double-double in her first collegiate start for the Minutewomen, recording 13 rebounds and 10 points.

UMass begins Atlantic 10 play against Rhode island at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Mullins Center.