March Madness

The March

To Madness

On March 21, 2013, the Harvard men’s basketball team upset the University of New Mexico in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, marking the first March Madness win in program history. One season later, with the national spotlight shining bright, the Crimson will look to complete yet another bracket bust, returning to the Big Dance with more weapons than ever. Harvard is deeper, quicker, and stronger than last year, and its 13-1 Ivy League record is a program-best. But, as coach Tommy Amaker has said, “it’s not what you do going into the tournament, it’s what you do within the tournament.” What the Crimson will do in the Tournament is still up in the air, but its March to Madness has been one of resilience and redemption, and for the third consecutive season, Harvard fans will get to see their team face off against the best in the country.

Men's Basketball Stopped by Spartans, 80-73

By Juliet Spies-Gans March 23, 2014

While winning tonight’s matchup would’ve advanced the Harvard men’s basketball team to the Sweet Sixteen, the final result of the Crimson’s contest against Michigan State was, instead, bittersweet.

On the Floor

Round of 32 Matchup Rekindles Rivalry, Friendship

By Juliet Spies-Gans March 22, 2014

A little less than 12 years and two months after the two “nemeses” first competed against one another as head coaches, Amaker and Izzo will once again face off

By the Numbers

NOTEBOOK: Men's Basketball Overcomes Early Struggles, Falls Late

By David Freed March 23, 2014

After winning its first game in the NCAA Tournament for the second straight year, the Harvard men’s basketball team will once again bow out of the Dance before the Sweet Sixteen.

NOTEBOOK: Basketball Dons the Cinderella Slipper Once Again

By Juliet Spies-Gans March 21, 2014

The Crimson advanced to the third round of the Big Dance for the second consecutive year. Amidst “I Believe” chants from its fan section, Harvard pulled off the upset, this time defeating fifth-seeded Cincinnati, 61-57.

Expectations Mount as Experts Pick Crimson

By Juliet Spies-Gans March 20, 2014

When the squads take the floor on Thursday, the typical roles of a second-round Tournament game will be reversed.

Spike in Tournament Play Indicates Conference Improvement

By David Freed March 22, 2014

Let’s be clear, Saturday isn’t just a big day for Harvard; it’s a big day for the Ivy League.

Head to Head: How Harvard and Michigan State Match Up

By David Freed March 21, 2014

Harvard will need the assertive Saunders early and often in Saturday’s matchup. He must succeed on both sides if he and his team are to emerge victorious.

From the Bench

Four Years Later, Giger Still Brings the Effort

By Ariel Smolik-Valles March 18, 2014

Senior guard Dee Giger had to wait until his senior night to get his first collegiate start, but the North Carolina native has produced some memorable moments in a Harvard uniform.

In First Season, Fraschilla Maximizes Limited Playing Time

By Theresa C. Hebert March 18, 2014

Though he’s the shortest member of the March Madness bound Crimson at just 5’11”, what Matt Fraschilla lacks in height he makes up for in work ethic.

A Winding Road Set to Conclude for Curry

By Jacob D. H. Feldman March 18, 2014

With Curry’s Crimson career now coming to a close, coach Tommy Amaker is hoping to end one of Harvard basketball’s most important and interesting journeys at a happy destination.

Edosomwan Provides Spark as Reserve

By Jake Meagher March 18, 2014

Even in limited action, Edosomwan has shown flashes of what he is capable of. The forward has scored in double figures four times this season, including an 11-point, nine-rebound performance against Florida Atlantic in January.

Cummins Earns Spot in Crimson Rotation

By Andrew Farber March 17, 2014

An afterthought during his rookie season, sophomore forward Evan Cummins has emerged as one of coach Tommy Amaker's go-to options off the bench.

Around the Tournament

Two Walking Mirrors For the Carpenter Center

By Henry S. U. Shah October 8, 2015

Colleagues— It is my second time reporting undercover from the tastefully-glorified bowels of the Harvard art world. Nearly a year ago, I risked my metaphorical, aesthetic skin to faithfully recount the student opening of the Harvard Art Museums. I write to you today to convey the recent opening of sculptor Josiah McElheny’s “Two Walking Mirrors” at the Carpenter Center last Thursday, Oct. 1, at 5 p.m.

Harvard Women's Ice Hockey Season in Photos

By Jiwon Joung, Mark Kelsey, Byung-Hoon Min, and Katherine W.K. Smith March 18, 2015

As the Harvard women's ice hockey team continues to the NCAA Frozen Four, relive the team's journey through a series of the best photographs of the season.

Harvard Men's Basketball Season in Photos

By Mark Kelsey, Steven A Soto, and Robert F Worley March 21, 2014

As the Harvard men's basketball team continues its march through the NCAA Tournament, relive the team's journey through a series of the best photographs of the season.

Amaker Dismisses Rumors of Departure

By David Freed March 19, 2014

Twenty-four hours before the biggest game of his season, Harvard men’s basketball coach Tommy Amaker dismissed any discussion of his name in connection with the recently vacated Boston College head coaching job.

Harvard Will Face Cincinnati in NCAA Tournament

By Juliet Spies-Gans March 16, 2014

On the NCAA Tournament Selection show on Sunday, it was revealed that the Harvard men’s basketball team will face Cincinnati on Thursday in Spokane, Wash.

Breaking it Down

Michigan State Brings Balanced, Sharp Shooting Team to Spokane

By David Freed March 22, 2014

Michigan State plays in the mold of its coach as a tough defensive team with a host of rugged post defenders that clean up the defensive glass.

Analysts Vary in Opinion of Harvard's Upset Chances

By Julian Ryan March 22, 2014

March is when the sports stats community comes out of hibernation in the name of ‘bracketology’, with multiple predictions trying to put a number on the Crimson’s chances.

Confident Crimson Ready For the Spotlight

By Andrew R. Mooney March 20, 2014

Now, as it enters its opening game in the NCAA tournament Thursday afternoon against Cincinnati (27-6, 15-3 American Athletic Conference), Harvard has a chance to re-assume the exciting identity of the underdog—and relief has given way to a different feeling.

Head to Head: How Harvard and Cincinnati Match Up

By David Freed March 20, 2014

Both teams’ hopes rest on their respective stars being able to shut down the other while continuing to contribute on the offensive end. Harvard and Cincinnati are just 11-8 when their stars make less than 35 percent of their shots, and a combined 42-2 otherwise.

Cincinnati Poses Tough Test For Crimson