However, the effort prevented Dartmouth from rallying late. The Big Green was unable to muster more than two shots in the second half and never threatened Harvard’s lead.

The victory secured a Harvard second-place finish behind now nine-time defending Ivy champion Princeton. The Crimson could still secure a share of the Ivy title if the Tigers lose to Penn, but that is unlikely to happen since Princeton has lost one Ivy game in the past nine years.

Regardless, the Tigers have clinched the league’s automatic berth for the 16-team NCAA tournament, and the Crimson is on the bubble for an at-large bid.

Harvard was an at-large team in 2000 with a 12-5 record, but the Crimson cannot control whether that will be enough this season.

“All we can control right now is how we play and how we finish the season,” Scott said.

Seemingly irrelevant games suddenly have a significant impact on Harvard’s postseason chances. For instance, Princeton’s victory over No. 8 North Carolina yesterday dropped the Tar Heels under .500 for the season. North Carolina will now have to accomplish the unlikely feat of winning its ACC semifinal and final to finish .500 and qualify for an at-large berth. Another Tar Heel loss would open up a playoff spot for a bubble team like Harvard.

Scoreboard watching aside, the Crimson concludes regular season play this Saturday at home against Columbia.