Lurking on the other side of the bracket is UConn, the reigning national champion, which Harvard is already scheduled to face in non-conference play on Dec. 8. Boasting two of the nation’s best guards in Shabazz Napier and Jeremy Lamb, the Huskies present significant matchup problems for any team, especially one unaccustomed to the raw athleticism not often seen in Ivy League play.

Rounding out the tournament field are the College of Charleston, University of Central Florida (2-1), and the University of North Carolina-Asheville (2-2).

The tournament will force Harvard to deal with the athleticism of power conference teams even if it doesn’t find itself matched up against the Huskies.

“You’ve just got to go at them,” co-captain Oliver McNally said of the team’s strategy against athletic opponents. “If you play soft … they’re going to eat you up.”

According to Amaker, the Crimson feel prepared going into their three consecutive tournament games.

“We have things in our arsenal that should allow us to compete against those teams,” he said.