Men's Basketball
Men's Basketball Eliminated from Postseason Contention After Back-to-Back Losses Against Princeton
The last two times the Crimson was in the Ivy League tournament, it lost the final game to the host team. During the 2020 season, it seems their fortune would be reversed, as it was finally the one hosting the tournament. Following two losses against Princeton (21-5, 11-2 Ivy) this past week, Harvard (13-12, 5-8) was officially eliminated from postseason contention and will not have the opportunity to defend its home court in the Ivy league tournament.
Rocky Rhode
Senior guard Noah Kirkwood (10), sophomore guard Sam Silverstein (20), and senior forward Kale Catchings (24) battle for a rebound in a 64-57 loss to Rhode Island on Dec. 1. This weekend, the Crimson lost twice and were eliminated from playoff contention.
Harvard Holds off Cornell, Keeps Postseason Hopes Alive
Noah Kirkwood secured the rebound and the thousand-plus fans at Lavietes Pavilion breathed a huge sigh of relief as Harvard earned a gritty victory over Cornell on Saturday, squeaking past the Big Red 77-72 in overtime to avenge its loss in Ithaca last month and stay in the hunt for the fourth and final spot in the Ivy League Tournament.
Men’s Basketball Gets Back on Track With Home Win Over Columbia, Remaining Alive in the Postseason Hunt
CAMBRIDGE — As freshman guard Evan Nelson raced down the floor with senior captain Mason Forbes trailing right behind, the Harvard crowd jumped out of its seat in anticipation of yet another highlight reel dunk. A lob off the backboard followed by an emphatic slam cemented Friday night’s 62-54 victory over Columbia (4-19, 1-10 Ivy), bringing cheer back to Lavietes following a three game skid.
Third Straight Narrow Loss Leaves Men’s Basketball With Backs Against the Wall
PHILADELPHIA – As the clock ticked down and the Penn faithful rose to their feet inside the Palestra, Coach Tommy Amaker took a quick look at the scoreboard in dismay as Harvard men’s basketball lost another agonizingly close game – falling to the Quakers by a 82-74 margin.
Deja Vu for Harvard as Men's Basketball Suffers Second Straight Heartbreaking Defeat to Yale, 62-59
Harvard mustered a late comeback but fell 62-59 to Yale on Wednesday night at a rocking Lavietes Pavilion, a second consecutive three-point loss to the Ivy League-leading Bulldogs (13-9, 7-1 Ivy League). A career-best performance from senior center Mason Forbes was not enough to propel the Crimson (11-9, 3-5 Ivy) to victory as a last second three-pointer from junior guard Luka Sakota fell short, sending Harvard to an 0-3 home start in conference play.
North Sakota
Junior guard Luka Sakota in action in a 74-64 win over Babson on Dec. 6. Sakota missed a game-tying three point attempt on Thursday night against Yale.
Men's Basketball Rides Dominant First-Half Defense to 65-50 Victory over Brown
Coming into this game, both Harvard (11-7, 3-3 Ivy) and Brown (10-13, 2-6 Ivy) were out of the playoff picture and a loss would tank their chances of securing a spot in the postseason. The Crimson played with a sense of desperation and matched the intensity of their Ancient Eight rival, coming away with a 65-50 victory.
Kirkwood Dribbles
Senior guard Noah Kirkwood dribbles up the court in a 74-64 victory over Babson on Dec. 6. In Friday's win against Brown, Kirkwood scored 11 points.
Crimson Drop Narrow Loss to Penn, 78-74
The Crimson men’s basketball team returned to Lavietes Pavilion this Friday hoping to re-establish the home court advantage it enjoyed prior to the winter break. Unfortunately for Harvard, the Penn Quakers had other ideas, claiming a 78-74 victory.
Oh Noah!
Senior guard Noah Kirkwood steps back for a jumper in a 74-64 victory over Babson on Dec. 6. The Ottawa, Ont. native piled on 16 points in the first half against Penn.
Men’s Basketball Goes 2-2 to Start off Conference Schedule
On March 7, 2020, following a dominant victory against Yale, the Crimson were looking forward to the Ivy League tournament and the possibility of securing a conference title on their home court. Little did anyone know, that would be the last Ivy League game Harvard would play for over twenty months. Following a two-year hiatus, the Crimson have finally had the chance to compete against its Ancient Eight foes.
As Holidays Approach, Alarm Bells Ring for Men’s Basketball
Ten healthy players are all that remain at the moment for Harvard men’s basketball. The two-week break without competition — mandated for finals — could not come at a better time for the Crimson. On most evenings at Lavietes Pavilion, Harvard would likely be pleased with a 10-point win with such a reduced roster. Monday, however, was the latest bump in a non-conference schedule that has been far from friendly for the Crimson (6-4), as the team struggled to pull away from Division III Babson in a game that Harvard eventually won by a 74-64 score.
Sakota From the Stripe
Junior guard Luka Sakota lines up a free throw attempt in Harvard's Dec. 6 win over Babson. The Crimson starter is averaging 12.0 points per game and shooting 40.8 percent from three-point range this season.
Trouble for Tretout's Defender
Junior guard and Brooklyn native Idan Tretout looks to blow by his defender in the Crimson's home win over Babson.
In Photos: Crimson Madness Returns
The return of Harvard Crimson basketball competition at Lavietes Pavilion for the first time since pre-pandemic kicked off on Oct. 15 as both the men’s and women’s programs battled their teammates in two intrasquad scrimmages following an assortment of pre-game activities and food.