Saunders took over the game in the second half and provided buckets at crucial moments. In addition to his decisive three-point play with under a minute to go, Saunders nailed a clutch trey and netted two late free throws to put the Crimson ahead.

Sophomore Zena Edosomwan and Smith provided jolts of energy for Harvard on the offensive end but it was the play of Saunders from start to finish that—once again—propelled Harvard to victory.

A ROAD GAME AT HOME

Lavietes Pavilion was rocking Saturday afternoon. But it was the fans clad in Minutemen red—not crimson—who were making all the noise.

Chants of “U, MASS” echoed throughout the building all game long. On three separate occasions, UMass forward Maxie Esho threw down resounding one-handed dunks that brought the roaring, partisan crowd to its feet.

“They had a great turnout and a great crowd,” Amaker said. “That’s what makes the game even that much more rewarding and meaningful and special for us to be able to pull it out.”

Indeed, the home contest felt like a road game for Harvard, perhaps contributing to the team’s first half struggles. After taking an early 5-2 lead, the Crimson did not regain the upper hand until less than 12 minutes remained in the second period.

Matters were made more difficult with Moundou-Missi in foul trouble. After picking up two quick fouls, the co-captain was called for his fourth personal early in the second half, forcing him to the bench for 13 consecutive minutes.

Moundou-Missi’s teammates, however, managed to persevere in the hostile environment. Despite only finishing with five points, Chambers notched nine assists. The team also demonstrated its improvement in breaking the press since its 24-turnover loss to Holy Cross, only coughing up the rock eight times to an aggressive UMass defense.

—Staff writer David Steinbach can be reached at david.steinbach@thecrimson.com.