CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Harvard Men’s Basketball wrapped up its 2024-25 season with a 66-58 win over Dartmouth College. First-year guard Robert Hinton led the team with 18 points on Senior Day, showcasing his skills at Lavietes Pavilion.
The Crimson finished Ivy League play strong, going 5-2 in the second half of the season. They ended the regular season with a record of 12-15 overall and 7-7 in the league. Harvard held a solid 40-31 lead at halftime and extended it to as much as 16 points in the second half. Despite a late push from Dartmouth, the Crimson held on for the win.
Hinton not only scored 18 points but also recorded six rebounds and three assists. This marked the 19th time this season he has scored in double figures and the 12th time he led the team in points. He amassed 393 points over the season, placing him second on Harvard’s single-season scoring list for freshmen.
In addition to Hinton, several other players also stepped up. Senior guard Evan Nelson scored 12 points and added three steals, while sophomore forward Thomas Batties II contributed 11 points and strong defensive stats. First-year guard Austin Hunt also scored 11 points, setting a personal best for three-pointers made. Junior guard Chandler Piggé rounded out the double-digit scorers with 10 points and five assists.
Before the game, Harvard celebrated its seniors, including Evan Nelson and Louis Lesmond, along with six senior student managers, acknowledging their contributions to the program.
Game Highlights
- Robert Hinton: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists.
- Evan Nelson: 12 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals.
- Thomas Batties II: 11 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks.
- Austin Hunt: 11 points, 3 three-pointers.
- Chandler Piggé: 10 points, a team-high 5 assists.
Harvard’s defense was impressive, forcing Dartmouth into 19 turnovers while only committing eight themselves. They managed to steal the ball 14 times, the second-most in any game this season.
Game Summary
The game started with Harvard taking a quick lead at 15-11, thanks in part to Nelson’s strong start. After Dartmouth pulled ahead briefly, the Crimson responded with a 9-2 run to regain the lead. The team maintained its momentum, with a strong finish to the first half.
Harvard came out strong in the second half, scoring nine quick points to stretch its lead to 49-33. Dartmouth made a push late in the game, cutting the lead to just four points. However, Hinton and Hunt stepped up, hitting vital shots to secure the win for the Crimson.
Coaches and Players Speak Out
Head Coach Tommy Amaker expressed pride in the team’s resilience after a tough loss to Brown earlier in the week. He highlighted the importance of closing the season on a positive note, especially for the seniors.
Evan Nelson reflected on his time with the team and the bonds he formed, while Louis Lesmond celebrated the victory, mentioning how thrilling it was to finish strong on Senior Day. Hinton noted his growth in his rookie year and looked forward to taking his game to the next level next season.
This win marks a significant moment for Harvard Men’s Basketball, capping off a season filled with potential and promise for the future.
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