WORCESTER--The Harvard freshman basketball team defeated Holy Cross in overtime last night, 86-83. The Crimson, now 5-0 for the season, barely turned back its first real challenge of the season.

"We could have beaten them by 20 points," coach Mike Jarvis said after the game. "I just experimented with different combinations of players, and gave everyone a chance to play."

Holy Cross managed to give the Yardlings a scare, however, as it battled back from a 33-39 halftime deficit to tie the score, 78-78, when the buzzer sounded the end of regulation play.

Best in Overtime

Jarvis then sent his best players back in for the overtime period, and the freshmen quickly squelched the Crusader threat. They outscored Holy Cross, 9-5, in overtime.

Jarvis blamed the narrow margin on a lack of mental concentration in his ball players as well as his prolific platooning. "The guys were overconfident, and they were looking ahead to Christmas vacation," he said. "Most of the time they just weren't thinking."

Jeffrey Hill led the Crimson scoring attack, 22 points and tossing in a pair of baskets in overtime. Todd Hooks also starred in the win, rebounding from a sluggish first half to score 14 points in the last half. Brian Banks, the 6 ft. 7 in. frosh center, connected for 11 points.

Jarvis said the win was particularly encouraging because "it showed the team has the ability to come through in the clutch."

High Potential

Banks, who snagged 18 rebounds, "has the potential to become the best rebounder in Harvard history," said assistant coach Steve Bogg. Hooks nabbed seven rebounds and Hill had five.

Holy Cross's John Griff and Kevin McAuley were the top scorers for the Crusader sub-varsity. Griff tallied 28 points, and McAuley totaled 26.

Harvard shot 44 per cent for the game, and 63 per cent from the free throw line Holy Cross hit on 37 per cent of their attempts from the floor, and 77 per cent of their foul shots.

Jarvis used every player on his bench of ten novices while only two Crusader substitutes saw action.

Jonas Honick, Jim Curry and Gordon Congdon chalked up 17, 8 and 6 points, respectively for the Crimson.

Jarvis's squad snared its fourth non-league win of the season with its squeaker over the Crusaders. The freshmen stand 1-0 in Ivy competition, with their opening victory over Dartmouth.