“We have to keep ourselves out of rotation situations, because the ball moves faster than our feet,” Sullivan said.

“One of the biggest things will be ball pressure,” Norman added. “We also can’t let the ball go inside-out as much. When the ball gets in the post we have to trap it there and not let it get kicked back outside.”

The Crimson will receive a boost on the inside this weekend, as sophomore forward Zach Martin will return from a hand injury. Martin will, however, have to wear a protective device on the appendage, likely limiting his effectiveness. Martin’s return to the lineup leaves sophomore point guard Michael Beal—out with a torn MCL—as the only Harvard player who will be unable to go this weekend.

Cognizant of its previous matchups with the two Ivy powers, Harvard will look to give a consistent defensive effort this weekend, rather than oscillate between its worst and best defensive performances of the season.

“Reflecting on both games, we haven’t ever had such a dramatic change defensively in a 48-hour period,” Sullivan said. “We’ve got to find middle ground…[and] some level of consistency.”

Whether or not the Crimson can put together 80 minutes of solid defense will be the deciding factor in Harvard’s attempt to pull off an upset in the next two days. It also could be the deciding factor in the perception of the Crimson from around the league as well as the amount of momentum the team can carry into next season.

“If we could sweep this weekend, it would be a tremendous statement,” Norman said. “We’ve been coming together as a team all season and now we want to send a message to the Ivy League.”

—Staff writer Michael R. James can be reached at mrjames@fas.harvard.edu.