But the cagers--which shot 45 percent from the floor in the contest--fought back at the start of the second half led by consecutive three-point baskets by Co-Captain Keith Webster (15 points, six assists).

Although the Crimson was out-rebounded by a slim 31-30 margin, it was the squad's inability to box out for the second straight game which played a major role in the defeat.

Harvard's amazing success at the foul line (21-for-22) was somewhat neutralized by its failure to box out on a number of key B.C. free throw misses.

Sophomore guard-forward Neil Phillips, who played football this past fall and did not begin practicing with the hoopsters until Tuesday, played 14 minutes and scored 11 points.

Eagles, 87-86 at Roberts Center

HARVARD (86): Kyle Dodson 4-2--10; Arne Duncan 9-9--29; David Lang 1-2--4; Kevin Collins 2-2--7; Keith Webster 6-0--15; Bill Mohler 2-2--6; Neil Phillips 4-2--11; Mike Gielen 1-2--4.

Totals: 29-65 21-22 86.

BOSTON COLLEGE (87): Skip Barry 4-5--16; Tyrone Scott 1-0--3; John Heath 0-0--0; Dana Barros 12-2--26; Ted Kelley 3-1--7; Jamie Benton 9-2--20; Reggie Pruitt 1-0--2; Troy Bowers 6-1--13; Kelly Monroe 0-0--0; Tom Hjerpe 0-0--0. Harvard  40-46--86 Boston College  42-45--87