Harvard got another piece of good news yesterday when sophomore forward Brian Charnock returned to action against the Big Green after having been sidelined with a virus. Charnock was still not at full strength and did not start, but his presence was a welcome sign for a team gearing up for the stretch run.
As for the Crimson’s post-season hopes, Harvard still has a difficult road ahead. But what seemed like a dream just three games ago is suddenly more realistic.
With no shot at winning the Ivy crown, Harvard must count on getting an at-large invitation to the Tournament. In order to do that, the Crimson will have to finish the season strong. If Harvard fails to defeat Columbia on Saturday and defending Ivy co-champion Penn in the regular-season finale on Nov. 15, the team’s playoff chances are dim.
“We know we have to win the next two games,” Chandis said.
But if the Crimson can win out the rest of the way, the squad is confident in its chances.
“I think the general consensus is that if we win these last two games, we’re in the Tournament,” Nechtem said. “And heading into the Tournament with a five-game winning steak would give us great momentum.”