"Every Division I team in the country has its schedule set by that time." McLaughlin said. "So we didn't have much choice."

Salem State--a local Division III club--filled the Army vacancy, and as a result, became the fifth non-Division I "game" on the Crimson schedule.

* * *

In reality, all the two cancellations mean is that Harvard (currently 10-1 overall, 3-1 Ivy) will win two less games than it otherwise would have.

But, as McLaughlin points out, it could also mean an easier time during the Crimson's Run for the Ivy Roses.

"Where some people might think this will hurt us," says the Crimson coach. "I think it might help."

That's because the NYU game was scheduled for Feb 12, just three days before Harvard travels to Ithaca, N.Y. for a crucial showdown with Cornell.

"Now we'll be more rested and more relaxed when we go to Cornell," McLaughlin says.

* * *

The only other thing of importance that this fiasco means is that Harvard won't make another Briggs Cage appearance until Feb. 8.

The Crimson's game with Brandeis was scheduled for Saturday in Briggs.

Instead, Harvard will practice until next week, when it'll take off on its longest road trip of the year.

The cagers will meet Lebigh next Thursday, Laffayette next Saturday and nationally-ranked Duke the following Monday.

* * *

Just one more thought on this whole mess.