An almost impregnable Dartmouth defense proved to be the difference in yesterday's low scoring Harvard freshman basketball game. The Green held off a late Crimson rally to win 49-45.

Using a pressure man-to-man defense, they "shut off the lane very well," according to manager Tom Welch. Bob Hooft, who is leading Harvard with a 28.9 scoring average, was unsuccessful driving inside and paced the Crimson scoring with only 13 points.

When open, 15 footers began rolling off the rim for Harvard, the Dartmouth defense was able to sag, further protecting the lane and enabling players to help each other out.

Actually, Harvard did maintain a fairly consistent 49-per-cent shooting average but, as one player said, "43 shots is not a hell of a lot."

For the first half, Harvard's defense matched Dartmouth. It mesmerized the Green with a 1-2-2 zone, throwing in a man-to-man defense here and there.

Dartmouth produced a miserable 21-per-cent field goal average and the Crimson led at the half by the pindling score of 18-15.

One needs some offense to win a ball game and Dartmouth found the basket in the second half. It deciphered the Harvard zone and broke out to a six point lead. The Crimson switched to a total man-to-man and got burned some more.

Apparently, Harvard's major weakness--a lack of depth due to injury--hurt. Six players, Hooft, Alex James (12 points, 5 rebounds), Andy Buchsbaum (8 points, 6 rebounds), Rick Bengel (7 points, 6 rebounds), Charlie Baker and Ray McGuire played most of the game and seemed to tire during the Dartmouth surge.

A 65-per-cent shooting average in the second half also helped the Green. Dartmouth has a "very patient offense," explained Welch. "They look for the best shot."

Craig Enright, who led both teams with 14 points, helped the Green to an 11-point margin with about ten minutes remaining in the gaime.

The Crimson then found energy for a last period drive. Resorting to a 1-2-2 zone press, with only one man protecting the basket, the team cut the deficit to eight points with three minutes left and at the 30 second mark, it trailed by four and controlled the ball.

But the Dartmouth defense tightened for its last stand and forced two of Harvard's 22 turnovers. Hooft took an inbounds pass with seven seconds to go and dribbled it off his foot.

It seemed all over but no--James stole a court-long Dartmouth pass and there was another chance. After a timeout Hooft heaved the ball to James underneath the basket on an alleyoop play, but he bobbled the ball and the game was over.

Harvard's record now stands at 2-5 while Dartmouth is 5-2.