MIT plays a so-called "reverse-action" offense, which features a lot of motion through the lane and is similar to the strategies employed by Columbia and Cornell. "Only the other teams do it better," said McLaughlin with a smile.

Indeed, the Engineers ran out of steam after a valiant first-half struggle, and Harvard quickly widened its lead to 20 before the subs from both benches swarmed onto the floor.

Who Are These Guys?

The entire Crimson squad saw action last night, and no one made into double figures. An enthusiastic reading period crowd of about 100 people saw some razzle-dazzle from unfamiliar sources: Bob McCabe rejecting jump shots into the fourth row and scoring eight points; Tom Clarke handling the ball confidently and chipping in two buckets and two assists; and Jeff Sinek, the hero at the buzzer, netting three of four from the floor.

Freshman Kyle Standley (two points) still looked a little shaky filling in for Dixon, but third-stringer Kevin Boyle turned in another solid performance in only his second game for the varsity.

NOTEBOOK: The Crimson incorrectly reported Monday that Crimson Travel sponsors the half-time Bermuda Shoot contest at Harvard home games. Raymond and Whitcomb & Co. sponsor the contest...Weekend action: Friday, Cornell; Saturday, Columbia...Both games start at 7:30 p.m. on the fifth floor of Mt. IAB... "If it's close, I'm convinced the fans will make the difference," says coach McLaughlin in all seriousness. "It would be great if the other teams come in here and really get the treatment."