Crimson Five Beats Ephs, 68-67, Warding Off Last Period Rally

Sophomore forward Gary Borchard hit for five consecutive points at the end of the contest and gave the varsity basketball squad a 68-67 victory over Williams last night at Williamstown. Borchard, a 6 ft., 4 in. offensive ace, led the Crimson scoring with 26 points for the night.

Behind 11 to 3 after one of its typical stumbling starts, the varsity rallied and pulled to a 32-28 lead at halftime. With Borchard, Bryant Danner, and Ed Cuffe shooting well, the Crimson held on to its margin despite a desperate comeback by the Ephmen.

Late in the final period, Williams caught the varsity and tied the count at 63 to 63. But Borchard contributed his remarkable streak of scoring, and the Crimson hung on for the triumph.

Borchard has probably been coach Floyd Wilson's most pleasant surprise in a season already notable for surprises, both good and bad. The big forward has moved into varsity competition with the same aplomb he displayed as a freshman. Borchard is particularly effective from the foul line, where his marksmanship has helped him tally 53 points in the Crimson's first three games.

With 16 points, Cuffe was the second high scorer for the varsity. An extremely rough competitor, Cuffe once again utilized his fine driving ability to run his season's total to 54. Bob Montgomery with 21 and captain George Boynton with 20 led the Ephs.

For the Crimson, it was the second win in three encounters. The squad has whipped Bowdoin, 74 to 69, and now Williams, and has lost to Wesleyan, 77 to 71.

The varsity will have several more warmup contests before Ivy League play begins in earnest. The schedule: Dec. 12  at M.I.T. Dec. 16  Northeastern Dec. 17  Tufts Jan. 1-2  Poinsettia Tournament Jan. 8  at Columbia Jan. 9  at Cornell Jan. 13  at Dartmouth Jan. 16  Dartmouth Feb. 5  Cornell Feb. 6  Columbia Feb. 9  Boston College Feb. 12  Yale Feb. 13  Brown Feb. 19  at Penn Feb. 20  at Princeton Feb. 26  Princeton Feb. 27  Penn. Mar. 4  at Brown Mar. 5  at Yale