With the theatrical flourish of a vaudeville troupe, the freshman basketball squad thrilled, but disappointed, about 40 enthusiastic fans Monday as it dropped a tough contest to the Merrimack junior varsity at the IAB, 98-96.

With the defeat the Frosh moved their season record to an uninspiring 7-8, a mark that does no justice to the team's capabilities. The cagers have now won three of their last six games and aim to better that tally with this week's contests against Brown and Yale.

"The difference was turnovers and fouls--a couple really hurt us." Coach John Harvey commented after Monday's game. "The number of foul shots was a major factor. They had more free throws and that made the difference. We've been looking very good, playing efficiently. Tonight was a let-down and I hope an exception."

Neither team was able to dominate the first half of the game, and although Harvard outshot the Gold from the floor. Merrimack gained a slight advantage. Action and points continually changed hands with neither team able to pull ahead by more than a few points.

Close Half

With 1:10 of the period left, Merrimack's John Nestor put the Gold out ahead, 39-36. The Crimson responded with a breakaway that resulted in a score by the Crimson's Arnie Needleman, but Merrimack's Bill Haubrich was fouled and was able to put his team out ahead at the finish of the period, 41-39.

The Crimson dominated the second half until 11:09, when the turnovers and fouls gave the advantage to Merrimack. Playing an efficient, controlled game the Gold quickly moved out to an eight-point lead.

Final Pressure

But when the pressure was on in the last two minutes of the period, the Crimson started their first coordinated effort to control the ball and force the turnover.

With 20 seconds left in the half, the Crimson were behind, 85-81. Lewis Brown scored on a breakaway but Merrimack's Nestor-Bruce Blanchard combination quickly scored, was fouled and scored on the two free throws.

The Yardlings' Steve Selinger, one of the team's most accurate shooters, scored a big six points, including a shot from 20 feet out to tie the game, 89-89.

Moving into overtime, Mike Griffin returned and combined with Lou Silver, who was high scorer of the game with 27, to spark the Crimson effort. Neither squad gained more than a one or two-point advantage. With one second left, Merrimack freshman Dennis Murphy scored from outside the key and won the game for the Gold, 98-96.