An NCAA investigation, an electrifying forward that can score from anywhere and a lightning quick backcourt—that’s what the Harvard men’s basketball team will face in its opening night opponent Fairfield at Lavietes Pavilion at 7 p.m. tonight.

The youth movement is set to take the floor for the Crimson, but that isn’t the most intriguing story surrounding the season opener. That distinction was stolen by the Stags with a report that broke over three months ago.

On Aug. 5, the Connecticut Post reported that several former Fairfield players accused the coaching staff of falsifying drug tests, supplying term papers for classes and giving them money.

According to Fairfield coach Tim O’Toole, the NCAA investigation into those claims is still underway. He could not comment any further on the matter.

The inquiry into the allegations against Fairfield’s basketball program left the Crimson unsure at times whether tonight’s game would actually take place.

“I think the biggest thing [about preparing for tonight’s game] was the uncertainty factor,” Harvard coach Frank Sullivan said. “But it appears that they won’t be sanctioned.”

Stag junior forward Deng Gai might make the Crimson wish the Stags hadn’t been eligible to play in this contest. Gai scored 32 points and pulled down 17 rebounds in Fairfield’s 90-77 exhibition win over the Slam All-Stars.

Despite being 6’9”, Gai likes to roam the perimeter and find his shot there, rather than battling down low.

“Deng is familiar with the outside, but he’s got to get better in the post,” O’Toole said.

If Gai stays out on the perimeter, Harvard might be better off. Without sophomore center Brian Cusworth—out a month with a stress fracture—the Crimson would have a difficult time matching up with Gai inside.

“[Gai’s] definitely someone we’re going to have to deal with as a team,” junior guard David Giovacchini said. “On the offensive end, we have to try to get him in foul trouble.”

Along with Gai, Harvard will be challenged by the strong Fairfield backcourt.

“We’ll see as much speed and quickness in this backcourt as any team this year,” Sullivan said.

The Stags’ quickness allows it to play pressure defense and push the tempo of the game, which can cause all sorts of problems for opposing teams.

“We’ve been working a lot in practice on handling full-court pressure and getting back in transition,” Giovacchini said.