If last night's 72 to 58 loss to Cornell is any indication of how the varsity basketball team performs under pressure, Crimson fans can hardly be optimistic about the squad's chances against Yale tonight.

With the Elis suffering through their worst season is history, however, the game figures to be close, If not well played. The varsity starts at 8:30 p.m. at the I.A.B., with a freshman contest against the Bulldog pups preceding it at 6:30.

Yesterday's game was typical of the team's play all season. The varsity five stayed close for 33 minutes and then in the final seven minutes watched Cornell outscore them 22 to 10.

Better than average shooting and strong rebounding gave the varsity a 36 to 31 lead at the half. Behind by eight at the 11-minute mark, the Crimson railed to tie the score, 29 to 29, with four minutes to play in the period. A hook by lke Canty and five successful free throws provided the home team with its five-point half-time lead.

With high scorer Jack Sheehy sinking shots from inside the keyhole and footbal star Dick Meade scoring from all distances the Big Red Dominated second half play completely. A long set by Meade gave cornell the lead at 6:15, but the Crimson managed to stay within a basket until the 13-minute mark.

Sheehy, in scoring 28 points, broke his school's all-time varsity scoring mark by 16. Five-foot-six guard Chuck Rolles was only slightly less effective in scoring 20. Meade had 17.

For the varsity, Canty topped the scoring with 15. Dick Manning, with 14 points, was the only other Crimson player to score in double figures. captain Roger Bulger and Bob Hastings each had sixs, Phil Haughey five, and Neil Muncaster and Bob Barnett each four. Lou Lowenfels and warren Kantrowitz both scored last minute baskets.