“[Free-throws] really helped us in the first half to inch our way back in it,” Amaker said.

On the night, Casey led Harvard at the stripe, going 11-of-13, followed by Lin, who shot five-of-six, and freshman Christian Webster, who hit three out of four.

THE ROOKIE

Although Lin led the Crimson in scoring with 17 points, Casey netted a career-high 15 points to go along with five rebounds.

“I thought Kyle played pretty darn well,” Amaker said.

The freshman provided crucial muscle in the post, helping Harvard win the rebounding battle 38-27.

“Coach has been getting on me about staying active, getting on the glass and kind of being the energy guy, the athletic guy for us,” Casey said.

Casey’s energetic play also helped earn him seven trips to the free-throw line, where he scored 11 of his points.

“[George Washington is] a really active team, a lot of athletes,” Casey said. “I just tried to step it up, and I guess I got good results.”