The Harvard women's junior varsity quintet sent the Northeastern Huskies back with their tails between their legs with a 59-51 thrashing in last night's basketball action at the IAB.

The bigger and superior Crimson cagers jumped off to a commanding 15-4 advantage and did not relinquish the lead until late in the first half. The hustling Harvard defense kept their Northeastern adversaries at bay by applying a full-court press that forced a slew of Husky turnovers.

The Crimson's Marty Ashley led all scoring with 16 points while teammate Chris Hart notched 12. Dana Warren chipped in 10.

The Crimson's lackadaisical play in the waning minutes of the first half, however, allowed Northeastern to penetrate inside and score nine unanswered points to whittle Harvard's once comfortable cushion to a mere 4 points. Harvard led by a score of 29-26 at the end of the half.

Northeastern continued to storm back and finally tied the game at 29 when playmaker Anne Vera connected with teammate Claire Vasapollo under the basket for a three-point play on the first play of the second half.

Heavy Huskies

The Crimson hoopsters, undaunted by the Huskies' heavy onslaught, responded to the challenge and were able to control the pace once again. Guard Karen Ueda drove past two Huskies for a lay-up to give Harvard a decisive ten-point lead.

Excellent offensive rebounding by the Crimson kept the action in Northeastern's end and maintained Harvard's lead. Northeastern never really threatened again as Harvard coasted to its second victory in as many games.

Northeastern suffered another setback when its high scoring star, Joy Esper (12 points) injured herself when she fell in an attempt to steal the ball.

The hoopsters' next tip-off will be against Dartmouth on Friday at 5 p.m. at the IAB.