Billed as the strongest squad in a decade, the 'Cliffe basketball team succumbed to the mighty girls from Northeastern on Saturday, at the Huskies court, 76-19.

In the first game of the season, the girls faced a Northeastern B team that was more experienced and considerably better conditioned. The Radcliffe squad, noted for its aggressiveness, was unable to keep up with the Huskies' fast break and hard press.

"They had fifty people, all of them physical-education majors. They had a lot of talent and had practiced for months. The whole thing was very embarrassing," player Jane Elliott said.

Coach Perla Hewes commented that the girls had been unable to practice together for a long period and that this might have been a major factor in the defeat. In addition, the girls were unaccustomed to such tough competition at Harvard.

Hewes noted. "We completely came apart and couldn't hold on to the ball. Starting late, we only had about three weeks to practice together. We need poise and confidence."

The hoopsters were held back in their efforts, by the absence of senior, Debbie Wood, who was battling the flu.

The cagers will soon move against a weak team from Wellesley, which Coach Hewes characterized as "patsies", and in the season ahead the girls should have little trouble compiling a fine record.