Harvard Basketball vs. Holy Cross: What You Need to Know
Harvard Men’s Basketball is back in action this Saturday, December 20, against Holy Cross at 2:00 p.m. at Lavietes Pavilion. This game is special as it’s Youth Day, featuring cool giveaways, a Toys for Tots donation bin, and a chance for fans to get autographs after the game.
Key Players
The Crimson boasts a talented roster with four players scoring in double figures this season:
Robert Hinton: This sophomore guard leads the team with 16.9 points per game and averages 5.2 rebounds. He’s been on fire lately, hitting 20 or more points in multiple games, including a standout performance with 35 points against UMass.
Chandler Piggé: The senior guard is essential to the team’s success, contributing 13.5 points, 3.7 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. He’s consistently improved his performance over the years, showcasing his growth as a player.
Thomas Batties II: This junior forward is also making waves, averaging 11.4 points and shooting a remarkable 58.3% from beyond the arc. He’s been a clutch player, scoring 17 points and securing six assists in a game against Penn State.
Tey Barbour: With 11.4 points and a team-high 5.5 rebounds per game, Barbour adds depth to the squad. His shooting from three-point range is vital, making him a consistent scoring threat.
Team Performance
As a team, Harvard shines in various stats. They hold the second spot in the Ivy League for free throw percentage at 78.2% and rank high in steals and scoring defense. Their disciplined play is evident, being one of the top teams in the NCAA for fewest fouls committed per game.
Historical Context
The Crimson has had a back-and-forth rivalry with Holy Cross, trailing in the all-time series 31-46. However, Harvard has won five of the last six matchups, showcasing their recent strength against this opponent.
Looking Ahead
After facing Holy Cross, Harvard will take on No. 22 St. John’s on December 23 and Colgate on December 28, wrapping up their non-conference schedule.
With a blend of young talent and seasoned players, the team aims to keep their momentum going into these crucial matchups. Fans can look forward to an exciting game on Saturday!
