St. Mary’s cut the Crimson lead to two points at 11:56, as Gaels’ forward Brad Waldow knocked down one-of-two free throws to make it 14-12. But an 18-2 Harvard run in the ensuing 8:51 pushed the Crimson to an 18-point lead with 2:35 remaining in the contest.

Moundou-Missi and freshman point guard Siyani Chambers led the way for the Crimson during that stretch, with six points apiece. Moundou-Missi converted an and-one layup and followed up with his first three pointer of the season, while the rookie knocked down back-to-back threes.

With 51.9 seconds to play in the period, St. Mary’s guard and leading scorer Matthew Dellavedova scored his only two points of the half on a pair of free throws, and he finished the game with a season-low four points. Sophomore Wesley Saunders was tasked with defending the guard for a majority of Monday night’s contest.

“That’s a lot to ask of person but he’s definitely stepped up to the challenge,” said Travis of Saunders’ defensive effort. “He’s definitely a big reason why we’ve had the success that we’ve had.”

Though the Gaels struggled from the field in the first frame, shooting just 22.6 percent from the field and one of nine from three-point range, St. Mary’s staged a comeback with an impressive 17 for 26 shooting effort in the second.

“They made all the plays necessary down the stretch to win it, and I think to steal it, to be very honest,” Amaker said.

—Staff writer Catherine E. Coppinger can be reached at ccoppinger@college.harvard.edu.