Radcliffe's tough defense proved too much for the MIT cagers as the Crimson trounced Tech, 44-30, last night.

Though the team's shooting was off after a long Christmas and exam break, the Cliffe's defense was right on target. Using a basic full court press and zone defense, the Crimson continually prevented the close shot and forced MIT to try from the outside. But trying didn't put the points on the scoreboard.

In the opening periods neither team could find the basket, and as each team fought to establish its offensive game, the score seesawed from side to side. After tying at 12 all, Radcliffe slowly pulled away from its rival-neighbor, and set the pace for the rest of the night. Led by high scorer Sue Williams, Radcliffe eased into a 24-20 half time lead, which it never relinquished.

Cool Shooting

Captain Dardenella Robinson helped out her cool-shooting teammates, pulling down 8 rebounds for game honors in that category. Carla Giannina came in for Robinson, when Dardenella got hurt, and proved that Radcliffe has a poised and strong bench. With good passing, she garnered 5 assists, and helped the Cliffe to a 31-26 third period margin.

By the fourth period it was all over for the vanquished Tech squad. Jeannie Guyton and Maude Wood kept the Tech offense in checkmate, while Williams scored at will. It took the Cliffe almost the entire third period to tighten its offensive game, but by the last period, everything was clicking.

"We found the hole and we plugged it up," Robinson said. "The last 3 minutes were like give-away ball. It was really nice."

"We won the game because we played such aggressive defense," Radcliffe coach John McCarthy said. "It was a really strenuous game. The girls will probably be really tired tomorrow."

Domination

The Crimson cagers have every reason to be tired. They dominated the game both offensively and defensively.

Their offense wasn't completely together, but they were able to compensate by exceptionally strong defense. But today both their offense and defense will have to be sharp when Radcliffe takes its 3-1