"It's definitely frustrating [to lose close games like this]," Gilmore said. "We just have to work on concentrating for the whole game, instead of three quarters of it."

Sullivan and his players remain determined, at least in their public statements, to turn things around.

"By most standards, yes [we should get discouraged], but there's a higher level of determination in our guys," Sullivan said. "I really believe that the character of this team is exceptional, and the players are still trying to work through this rough stretch.

"With all the close losses, though, of course it's frustrating."

For hard-pressed Harvard basketball fans--who have never tasted championship glory in over four decades of Ivy League play--Sullivan's words are all too correct. This long and dreary season has taken on a familiar look.

Game Notes

Harvard learned over intersession that starting forward Darren Rankin will be out for the year with three ruptured discs in his back. The injury occurred in October but was not detected until now...Freshman Paul Fisher played a career-high 15 minutes last night, scoring four points and grabbing a rebound...Harvard resumes play on Friday at Columbia and on Saturday at Cornell.

UNH, 73-64 at Briggs Cage UNH  30  43  --  73 Harvard  19  45  --  64

UNH: Drapeau 4-11 5-7 13; Alosa 10-20 10-10 35; Jackson 1-2 1-3 3; Eusebio 1-2 0-0 2; Wilson 0-2 3-6 3; Montanari 4-6 1-5 9; Gatchell 2-4 0-0 5; Purdy 0-1 3-4 3. TOTALS 22-50 23-36 73.

HARVARD Demian 1-5 0-0 3; Gilmore 3-10 4-4 11; Morris 2-8 0-0 4; M. Scott 3-11 2-4 9; Slowden 12-18 0-2 24; Kubiak 1-1 0-0 2; Fisher 2-2 0-2 4; Ja. White 1-4 0-0 2; Fricka 0-1 2-2 2; Ju. White 1-2 0-0 3. TOTALS: 26-67 8-12 64.