Though two free throws by Webster brought his team within seven points at the 5:09 mark, Cornell immediately fired back with a jumper by tri-captain center Jeff Foote and a three by Wittman to keep the Crimson at bay for good.
In a matchup billed by many to be the one of the most important games in the history of Harvard men’s basketball, the Crimson struggled with turnovers in the first half, giving the ball away 12 times.
It would turn it over only once more after intermission, but allowing second-chance opportunities became a problem. Eight of Cornell’s 14 offensive rebounds came in the final frame, while Harvard had only three for the game.
Sophomore big man Keith Wright made his return from a two-week layoff due to Achilles tendonitis but saw only 16 minutes of action off the bench.
Senior Pat Magnarelli did not play but said after the game that he would definitely return next weekend at home against Brown and Yale.
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—Staff writer Dennis J. Zheng can be reached at dzheng12@college.harvard.edu.