Harvard converted 18-of-28 clears compared to 15-of-22 for the Big Red and won the battle for the ground balls, 34-27.

Although it scored just five goals, the Crimson was pleased with its offensive production. Cornell outshot Harvard, 33-25, but the Crimson was still able to create enough excellent scoring opportunities.

“Cornell plays a very tight defensive system that they’ve been playing for at least four years,” Johnson said. “And we were able to do well against it.”

Just a few plays were the difference in the contest.

“Towards the end of the game we got a little sloppy on turnovers and clears,” Johnson said. “The offense also wasn’t clicking very well through most of the third quarter. They capitalized on a few small mistakes.”

Primm and sophomore attack Mike McBride added goals for the Crimson, while junior midfielder Jeff Gottschall and senior midfielders Doug Logigian and Jay Wich had an assist each.

McBride and junior defenseman Hani Malone led Harvard with six ground balls. Junior goaltender Jake McKenna recorded nine saves in addition to five ground balls.

The Crimson hosts Brown at 7 p.m. Wednesday before heading to Princeton on Saturday.

—Staff writer Timothy Jackson can be reached at jackson2@fas.harvard.edu.