It's kind of sad that it had to happen this way.

Co-Captain Erin Maher wanted more on the night that Maher broke Harvard's all-time career scoring record. So did her family and all of the fans.

They probably dreamed of a trademark step-back three pointer to give the Crimson a victory over hated Brown, something like this: Harvard's down by two, three seconds left. Proudfit passes to Maher, who lets fly from the deep corner...swish! Harvard wins!

Or maybe a game-saving steal that led to an easy lay-up: Maher anticipates the pass, steps in and grabs the ball! She's got just one player to beat...she scores! Harvard wins!

In either scenario, the Crimson would get the victory. But dreams just don't always come true.

Last night at Briggs Cage, Maher did become the women's all-time leading scorer in Harvard history with 1,306 points.

Free Throw the Clincher

The point came on a free throw just 45 seconds into the second half. It gave the Crimson a momentary 42-41 lead, and gave Maher a place in the record books.

The senior from Davenport, Iowa at last stood taller than all the rest. Taller than all the women who have called Briggs Cage their home.

"She's an exceptional athlete, and more importantly, a great individual," Harvard Coach Kathy Delaney Smith said. "Every coach wants a player like Erin. Her work ethic is tremendous, and she knows the game so well. She has brought a lot to Harvard basketball, and she can't be replaced."

But Harvard did not win the game.

For a player of Maher's intensity, the wins and losses are all that matters. The records can belong to others.

"It's a nice honor," Maher said. "It's nice that my family was here. But I would rather have won the game."

The loss dashed what little hopes remained of an Ivy League title. Once again, the Crimson will have to settle for second place behind the Bears from Providence.

This fact simply does not sit well with Maher.