A long stiff scrimmage featured the final work-out of the University basket men yesterday afternoon preparatory to the contest with the Massachusetts Agricultural College players this evening at 8 o'clock in Hemenway Gymnasium. Emphasis was laid on the defensive play of the Crimson five not only for the backs but also for the men on the offense, who in recent games have had a tendency to allow their opponents to break away for scores too often.

Coach Wachter sent his first two quintets through two twenty minute sessions and a final one of fifteen yesterday. Team A managed to gain a 34-30 margin over the white-jerseyed substitutes. Every man on the squad took part in the scrimmage, Fitts and Captain McLeish doing very well in their shooting. The University five has been showing marked improvement in recent practice, increasing its speed of play and following up shots under the basket.

M. A. C. will take the floor tonight backed by victories over Trinity, Tufts, and M. I. T. Last year the Aggies fell before the Crimson five 25-21 in a contest which was decided by free tries from the foul line. Tonights line-up of the Maroon and White contains four veterans; Tumey the one new man, has been a leading point-scorer so far, being an accurate shot from the floor as well as from the foul line.

The visitors' attack is built upon a speedy and aggressive offensive although in earlier games their passing has been rather erratic and unsteady. In their victory over M. I. T. the Aggies showed a clear superiority over the Engineers, and by tight defensive work won from Trinity by a 28-18 count.