The technique was similar to the box-and-one zone the Terriers employed against the Crimson last year, which held the team to a season-low 41 points.

With Harvey unable to score, senior guard Elliot Prasse-Freeman was forced to create many of Harvard’s scoring opportunities. While he distributed the ball well, finishing with eight assists, he only had six points and did not convert on a field goal until 13:13 was left in the game.

Harvard has had trouble finding a steady center all season. Senior Brian Sigafoos started, but freshman Brian Cusworth came off the bench and played for the most important minutes of the game down the stretch.

Cusworth played 18 minutes, finishing with four rebounds and two blocks, while Sigafoos had 10 points and five rebounds in 19 minutes.

“[Cusworth] has been blocking shots, getting offensive rebounds and getting a lot of defensive rebounds,” Winter said. “He’s doing what he’s asked to do, and that’s what we need, a real inside presence.”

Cusworth mentioned that although he has been improving, it has been difficult adjusting to his role in college. Fellow freshmen Michael Beal (seven points, four rebounds) and Matt Stehle (four points, four rebounds) are also expected to play at a higher level, especially in Harvard’s offense.

“I think at times we had some younger players in there who didn’t understand the importance of the screening,” Sullivan said.

The Crimson returns to action this Saturday when it hosts Lehigh (3-2) at 2 p.m. Harvard won last year’s contest 64-62, but it will likely have to pick up its offensive attack to prove victorious again.