The Crimson received an unexpected defensive boost from 6'11 sophomore center Brian Sigafoos. Playing in his first collegiate game, Sigafoos helped to slow down Sankes after it looked like the big Crusader center would take control of the game midway through the second half.

In the past, such a strong defensive effort translated into almost guaranteed Crimson victories. Harvard never lost last year when holding the opposition to less than 40 percent shooting, and was 44-2 over the last five years when putting on such strong defensive performances.

This time, the Crusaders made up for their shooting deficiencies by getting to the foul line consistently. Holy Cross made more free throws (13-for-22) than Harvard attempted (8-for-10).

Both teams showed early-season jitters and sloppiness at the game's onset. After five minutes of play, the game was knotted at two and Shankes had already left the game with two quick fouls.

Harvard adjusted to the pace of the game first, taking an early 12-5 nine minutes into the contest. It would be the Crimson's largest lead of the game.

A three by Szatko ignited the Crusaders' offense. Holy Cross slowly chipped away at Harvard's lead, finally using a 16-6 run to take their own seven-point lead, 29-22 late in the first half.

Harvard came back to tie the score early in the second half on a short jumper by Winter. From there, periods of solid play were mixed with long stretches of missed shots and turnovers. As a result, neither team could pull away from the other until the last fateful minutes.