Cousy Bows Out In Finals Today

While Harvard's basketball team recuperates from a long season and dreams of a future dynasty, one of the Crimson's opponents prepares for today's game in the N.I.T. finals as it tries to win one last game for coach Bob Cousy.

The aspiring team is, of course, Boston College, and Cousy, who was quite disappointed with B.C.'s basketball program early in the season, is moving on to greener pastures next year after six years in Chestnut Hill.

The Eagles lost three of their first eight games this season, and apparently Cousy felt he could do better elsewhere, especially in a place with less rigorous admission requirements.

Dedication is a familiar thing at Boston College, and the fine spirit of the Eagle basketball team is exemplified by guard Billy Evans. "Cousy represents everything I want to be as a man and a player," said Evans yesterday. He struck a subtle blow at the press when he added, "A pat on the head from Cousy after you make a good play means more than headlines."

Personalities will fade into the background this afternoon, however, as the Eagles tangle with Temple College in an effort to win its 20th straight victory. The 19th win was a come-from-behind 73-61 triumph over Army Thursday night. Temple edged Tennessee, 63-58, to earn the right to meet B.C.

If the Eagles win the finals today, they will be the first Massachusetts team to win since 1954 when Cousy's alma mater, Holy Cross, was the champion.

In the contest against Harvard, B.C. had to scramble to down the Crimson, 91-77.

Today's game in Madison Square Garden will be televised by Channel 5 starting at 2 p.m.