The Crimson's numbers were abnormal and abysmal. The team's leading scorers, Harvey and senior forward Dan Clemente, had only 14 and ten points, respectively, while the team as a whole only shot 9-of-20 (45 percent) from the free-throw line. Additionally, Harvard got out-rebounded, 45-36, and had trouble containing center Chris Wiedemann, who finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds along with four blocks.

Harvard 65, Cornell 57

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In direct opposition to the Columbia game, it was Harvard that went up on Cornell in the second half, and then withstood a comeback by the Big Red before closing the deal, 65-57.

The key to the Crimson's success was once again defense, as evidenced by Cornell's 20-of-58 (34.5 percent) field goal shooting and a pathetic 6-of-24 from three-point range.

The game stayed close in the first half as Harvard could only get the lead to six twice in the first half. Junior guard Drew Gellert led the way, garnering eight points in the half including two top-of-the-key three-pointers. Sophomore center Brian Sigafoos also had an impressive half, picking up seven rebounds and constantly frustrating Big Red center Greg Barratt, who went 0-for-5 from the floor in the first half and finished the game with only two points.

Harvard began to pull away with ten minutes left in the second half. Leading 45-43, the Crimson held Cornell scoreless for over six minutes.

Meanwhile, Harvard's pressure defense created great results. Prasse-Freeman scored four straight points, and after a lay-up by Sigafoos, Gellert stole the ball and fed it to Prasse-Freeman. The sophomore point guard then was fouled and hit both free throws.