It doesn't get much better than this.

Continuing in its dream-like start to the 1997-98 season, the Harvard men's basketball team (5-0) triumphed over Holy Cross this past Saturday with an 81-70 victory over the Crusaders (2-6).

The win increased the Crimson's unbeaten streak to start the season to five games--the team's best start in 13 seasons.

"This was a huge win for us," said sophomore guard Damian Long. "It was the third time in three years that we had the chance to go 5-0, and we finally did it. Plus, it gave us the opportunity to avenge last year's at-home loss to Holy Cross."

"Every win is a big win, especially early in the season," said captain Mike Scott. "We have a pretty new team, having lost four seniors, and so it's great to build up that confidence."

A Crimson victory, however, was no guarantee from the outset.

Holy Cross proved early on to be a formidable opponent. The two teams battled fiercely throughout the first 20 minutes of play.

A 10-5 Crusader run gave the opposition a 35-40 advantage shortly before halftime.

The Crimson, however, refused to give up the fight, unwilling to blemish a thus-far perfect record.

Scott answered this run with a confidence-boosting three-pointer at the halftime buzzer, ending the half with a 38-40 score.

It proved the beginning of the end for the Crusaders.

"We really grabbed momentum back at the very end of the first half," Long said. "Mike Scott had a huge, huge three-pointer right as the buzzer sounded to end the half."

Scott and Long combined for 13 points in quick succession as Harvard took a 63-58 advantage with more than seven minutes remaining in the final quarter.

The Crusaders rallied back, narrowing the gap to 70-66, but another three-pointer by Scott with 1:45 remaining ensured the victory.

Scott led his team in scoring, tallying a total of 24 points--a career high. He also recorded 10 rebounds and 9 assists.