It wasn't supposed to be like that. Army beat Harvard last year, 69-66 at West Point, so this contest looked to be a good one. But it became quickly apparent that Army had serious problems.
The Black Knights' best player, shooting guard Mark Lucking, proved beyond a doubt that the rims at Lavietes should hold up well for the rest of the season. The senior made only four of 16 shots and one of seven three-pointers, scoring 13 points. Last year, he knocked home 28 to send Army to victory.
At the line, things became silly. In the second half, a fan yelled "Go Navy!" as Cadet Alfred Forbes shot the first of two free throws. Of course, he missed both.
In its coming games, of course, Harvard can not expect all its opponents to aim shots at their feet. Cockiness is not in order.
But on the other hand, the Crimson did not sink down to the Cadet's level. Harvard was the better team on the floor and never let Army think otherwise.
Funny. The team was 6-20 last year, and now it has to worry about not sinking down to its opponent's level.
Strange things at Lavietes, indeed.