While the Harvard men’s basketball team ultimately triumphed over Dartmouth (3-8, 0-1 Ivy) in yesterday’s contest at Lavietes Pavilion, both teams had reason to celebrate after the game, as each team welcomed back one of their most valuable players from thumb injuries.

For the Crimson (5-8, 1-0), that player was sophomore center Brian Cusworth—Harvard’s leading scorer—who had missed the previous four games with his injury.

After entering the game just over four minutes into the contest, Cusworth struggled in the first half, missing all three of his shot attempts.

The big man seemed much more comfortable in the second half, however, shooting 4-of-9 from the field and tallying 13 points, including two key buckets late in the game to help secure the victory for the Crimson. He even sank a three-point shot, just his second of the season.

Cusworth also led Harvard with nine rebounds and added two blocks and two assists.

“It’s like starting the season over again,” Harvard coach Frank Sullivan said. “His timing was way off and his idea of spacing was way off, but to his credit, he didn’t get discouraged. I think in the second half, he felt confident he could score in the low post. He certainly made some big baskets for us.”

For the Big Green, the returning player was co-captain guard Steve Callahan, who had not played since injuring his left thumb during Dartmouth’s victory over Keene State on Dec. 9th.

Despite playing with a cast on his hand, Callahan showed few ill effects from his injury, hitting four of his first six three-point attempts en route to a final line of 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals and no turnovers.

“Those opening threes gave him confidence,” Sullivan said. “His shooting rhythm was as

on as it’s ever been. I think he got invigorated when he made the first couple [of shots].”

Despite his impressive numbers, the return was bittersweet for Callahan, however, as he missed a long three-point shot at the buzzer that would have won the game for the Big Green.

BENCH PRESS

Usually when your starters outscore your opponents’ starters by a margin of 51-24, the game is a blowout. But in Sunday’s contest, the Dartmouth bench players outscored their Harvard counterparts by 25 points, keeping the contest competitive.

“Their bench really did an excellent job for them,” said Sullivan.

The reserves’ effort was spearheaded by junior guard Michael Lang, who did not start the game but led the Big Green in minutes played, with 35. He also led the team with 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting.