The last time Princeton (8–18 overall, 4–7 Ivy League) and Harvard (15–10 overall, 8–3 Ivy League) met, the rivalry lived up to its expectations in Cambridge. With an impressive comeback win in overtime, Harvard used the victory to create a wave of momentum that has them second in the Ivy League standings. However, with the Tigers in need of a win to qualify for Ivy Madness and the Crimson eager to dethrone Yale for the top spot in the regular season, the rivalry’s sequel in Jadwin Gym will be a must-watch. The Daily Princetonian Sports section is making its picks for the critical matchup.
Princeton 63, Harvard 58 – Lucas Nor, associate Sports editor
Princeton’s season has been full of ups and downs. While they currently face a low-point with four consecutive conference losses, the Tigers will be eager to bounce back. Although they sit one game behind fourth place in the Ivy League standings, which would qualify them for the conference tournament, the Orange and Black cannot afford to drop one of their three remaining games in the regular season. But, with what will be an electric crowd at Jadwin Gymnasium against rivals Harvard, the Tigers will find their rhythm and begin this final stretch on the right foot.
In their previous matchup on Jan. 17, the Tigers led big for long stretches of the game. With the exception of the final minutes, Princeton shot exceptionally well from beyond the arc and forced several turnover runouts that provided one of their best offensive performances all season. However, late-game pressure from the Crimson turned the game on its head, allowing Harvard to go on a huge run and force overtime, where they’d eventually steal the win.
Princeton is much more experienced and has generally fixed its issues with late-game defensive pressure from its opponents. If the Tigers can maintain a balanced attack, outrebounding Harvard and freeing the perimeter for success from three, the Orange and Black will come out on top. And, with this much on the line and a Tiger team hungry to avenge a loss that simply shouldn’t have happened, there’s no reason why they can’t provide the performance they need.
I see Harvard getting out to an early lead, but Princeton’s solid defense will keep them in the game, where they will eventually surge past the Crimson. And, although the visitors are sure to invoke the same late-game tactics they succeeded with almost two months ago, the Tigers will weather the storm to squeak out a critical, low-scoring conference win.
Princeton 72, Harvard 69 – Leila Eshaghpour-Silberman, staff Sports writer
Following a disappointing loss to Brown on the road last Friday, Princeton’s men’s basketball will be looking to regain its position in the Ivy League with a win against Harvard. Sitting just one team above the bottom of the standings and five teams below Harvard, Princeton will need to show out at home in order to snap their four-game losing streak.
Big performances by junior guard Jackson Hicke have been crucial to the Tigers’ season so far. While Princeton narrowly lost to Dartmouth 69–71 on Jan. 19, a career high of 28 points for Hicke kept the Tigers in the game. Hicke’s dominant performance of 26 points against Brown ultimately wasn’t enough for the Tigers to pull through, but Princeton will need another big showing from Hicke on Friday to have a chance at defeating the Crimson.
During their last bout against Harvard on Jan. 17, the Tigers lost 80-87 on the road. While the Tigers dominated in the first half, their momentum dropped off in the second, though the Tigers kept the Crimson at bay. Ultimately, an abysmal performance by Princeton in overtime, where the Tigers scored half as many baskets as Harvard, led to their defeat.
Princeton’s last battle against Harvard demonstrates that they have the tools to win the game. However, the Tigers must stay consistent and continue their momentum through the second half if they hope to beat Harvard. Although it will likely be a tough and scrappy battle, I have faith that the Tigers will capitalize on their home advantage and draw Crimson blood this Friday at Jadwin.
Princeton 78, Harvard 71 – Xavier Latimer, Sports contributor
Princeton returns to Jadwin Gym on Thursday night for its final home weekend of the season, opening with Harvard, which has already clinched an Ivy Madness berth. The Tigers fell to the Crimson in overtime on Jan. 17 after leading by 15, losing 87–80 in what still feels like a missed opportunity.
The Crimson are riding momentum. Their sophomore guard Tey Barbour is coming off a 30-point performance in a 73–54 win at Cornell, securing Ivy League Player of the Week honors and extending Harvard’s road win streak to six. Alongside guard Robert Hinton, Harvard’s backcourt can score in bunches and flip games quickly.
For the Tigers, it starts with junior guard Jackson Hicke, who poured in 26 points last week at Brown and has been the team’s most consistent offensive weapon. Princeton showed in the first matchup that it can generate enough scoring to pressure Harvard’s defense, with sophomore forward Malik Abdullahi and first-year guard Landon Clark both finding success attacking the paint. The issue has been closing — late-game execution, defensive rebounds, and limiting clean perimeter looks.
At home, the Tigers have historically been a different team, and with this being one of their final opportunities to defend Jadwin, expect urgency from the opening tip. In conference play this season, the Tigers are 3–2 at home, with just one of those games having a final score below their season average. If Princeton can dictate pace and avoid the scoring droughts that plagued them in Cambridge, they have a real shot to flip the script.
With history and home court on their side, expect a high-scoring performance from the Tigers, playing fast and with an edge.
Lucas Nor is an associate Sports editor for the ‘Prince.’
Leila Eshaghpour-Silberman is a staff Sports writer and contributing Features writer for the ‘Prince.’
Xavier Latimer is a Sports contributor for the ‘Prince.’ He is from New York City and can be reached at xl9194[at]princeton.edu.
Please send any corrections to corrections[at]dailyprincetonian.com.
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