While the Harvard men’s basketball team may not be happy with the final result of this afternoon’s 65-62 loss to Michigan, the squad must certainly be pleased with the progress made by freshman Laurent Rivard.

After a 0-for-11 shooting performance in his collegiate debut, Rivard has found his stroke this past week, netting a combined 36 points in the Crimson’s past two contests.

The 6’5” guard followed up on last Wednesday’s career-high 21-point performance by pacing Harvard with 15 points yesterday.

In 33 minutes of action, Rivard shot 5-of-9 from deep, keeping the Crimson within striking distance after it lost its lead midway through the second period.

In Harvard’s 80-57 win over Fordham last Wednesday, Rivard hit a number of key three-pointers down the stretch to keep the Crimson’s lead in double figures.

By the time the night ended, Rivard sank five treys after making just eight in Harvard’s first five contests combined.

“He works so hard, and he’s such a great shooter,” junior co-captain Oliver McNally said after the contest. “It’s about time something started falling for him.”

According to Rivard, the career night helped build his confidence heading into yesterday’s road contest at Michigan.

“He’s supposed to make open shots,” Harvard coach Tommy Amaker said Wednesday. “He’s a good shooter.”