In this time of the NCAA's and the NIT, the Freshman Intramural Basketball League is holding its tournament this week. The playoffs started last night in the IAB, as Hurlbut-Prescott squeaked by Straus ABC, while Thayer North and South romped over Matthews South.

In the opener, Thayer North and South jumped out to a 12-point lead early and held on for a 46-42 victory over Matthews South. The Thayer squad was forced to play without the services of their two high scorers, Tim Clifford and Paul McOsker. Both players are now under the watchful eye of baseball coach Loyal Parks.

Hurlbut-Prescott followed with a thrilling one-point victory against a quick, aggressive, Straus team. Straus jumped out to a 16-2 lead in the opening five minutes behind the hot shooting of Steve Potysman. Hurlbut-Prescott was forced to tighten its man-to-man defense and began to eat away at the Straus lead.

Chris Smith of Hurlbut-Prescott directed the Union dorms' comeback. He dished out assists, grabbed the offensive caroms, and scored on twisting drives that left the Straus defenders flat-footed.

The second half was relentless up-and-down action, with the team trading baskets. The Straus players put on a final burst at the end, but Hurlbut-Prescott was able to hold on for a one-point victory, 48-47.

The team from Thayer will meet top-ranked Wigglesworth West. Sandy Cardin, Wigglesworth playmaker and floor leader, said last week that Wigglesworth was "not as good as their record indicates."

In the other semi-final match, Hurlbut-Prescott will tip-off against the National League champions, Lionel-Hollis. "Lionel-Hollis will show us seven players of equal ability and they all know how to play basketball," John Sieg of Hurlbut-Prescott said yesterday.

The finals will be held on Thursday in the IAB at 7:30.