After Columbia’s leading scorer Noruwa Agho cut the lead to three with a mid-range jumper and a three pointer from the left wing, the Crimson countered with a 14-7 run that extended its lead to double digits.

Freshman Kyle Casey sparked the Harvard run, rising above his defender and then letting go a three ball that swished through the net. Agho tried to keep the Lions afloat, knocking down a jumper from the left corner, but McNally hit another deep ball on the Crimson’s following possession.

The Harvard bench erupted moments later when Lin gave the Crimson the 24-16 lead after he received a pass from freshman Brandyn Curry a foot beyond the arc and sent it through the hoop.

McNally capped the run with a final three pointer from the left wing that gave Harvard a commanding 29-19 lead with just over six minutes remaining in the first half.

Poor shooting the rest of the way stifled any chances of a Columbia comeback as the Lions were unable to chip away at their 15-point halftime deficit.

As Harvard’s lead grew to 20 midway through the second period, the Crimson starters were granted the unusual reward of rest in preparation for their hyped matchup the next night.

But despite the excitement and significance of the Cornell game looming over its head, Harvard managed to keep its focus and come away with the large victory over its weaker Ivy opponent.

“Saturday night doesn’t have any significance for us if we don’t play well and do our job here on Friday,” Amaker said. “I think it’s the mark of a team that’s maturing and growing to be able take that to heart.”

—Staff writer Martin Kessler can be reached at martin.kessler@college.harvard.edu.