Senior point guard David Giovacchini led the way for the Crimson, hitting all six of his free throws, while Cusworth and sophomore Jim Goffredo were each 3-of-4. Captain Jason Norman and senior guard Kevin Rogus combined to hit only 6-of-12, however, continuing their seasonal struggles from the line.

“It’s one of those things that can definitely determine the outcome of the game to be a win or loss,” Cusworth said. “I think overall we have a pretty good free throw shooting team...it’s just about concentration.”

CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Harvard will have plenty of time to study before heading into its own exam period—the gauntlet of the Ivy League schedule. The Crimson’s next game is not until Jan. 29, when it travels to Cornell to battle the Big Red in the first of its final twelve games, all against members of the Ancient Eight.

“It’s always tough going into the rest of reading period and exam period, just because you get a little bit out of the rhythm,” Cusworth said, “but I think the one thing this [win] did for us was give us a great boost of confidence.”

The distraction of final exams will provide a challenge for the team, but Sullivan likes where his squad is situated heading into the break.

“[Six wins] is not the number that we wanted, but it’s not that bad,” Sullivan said. “There is momentum...unlike last year, there is some forward progress.”

After playing nine of its first 15 games away from Lavietes Pavilion, Harvard can also take solace in the fact that there will be an equal number of home and road games, against familiar foes, from here on out.

“We know the landscape a little bit better,” Sullivan said. “I think there’s a comfort level, [because] we know where we’re going...and I think there’ll be some better energy.”

—Staff writer Caleb W. Peiffer can be reached at peiffer@fas.harvard.edu.