Rochester, Fordham Beat Quintet in Kodak Tourney

Christmas is usually a time of happiness and joy, but for the Harvard basketball team this Christmas vacation turned into a time of real heartbreak as the varsity dropped both its games in the Kodak College Classic at Rochester, N.Y., Dec. 29 and 30.

The Crimson went into the tournament against Rochester and Fordham with only two days of practice after a ten-day break. It lost 73-71 to Rochester on a desperation shot with the score tied in the last second of play. The Harvard five dropped a 63-55 decision to Fordham after blowing an eight point halftime lead.

Throughout the first contest, the lead seesawed back and forth between the Rochester quintet and the Crimson varsity. With 1:34 remaining in the contest, however, Rochester led by five points. The Crimson responded heroically, tying the score with only 18 seconds remaining.

Rochester had the ball, though at first it didn't look as if the New Yorkers were going to utilize their advantage. They brought the ball slowly down court and didn't work it in for a short shot. With time rapidly running out, Rochester guard David Deutsch dribbled across the top of the foul circle and fired a hook shot "from behind his ear," as one observer put it.

But wherever it originated, the shot wound up nestling in the basket for the game-winning two points.

Against Fordham, Harvard simply ran out of steam after the half. The Christmas tournament was the first time this season the squad had played games on two consecutive days. And with only two days of practice, it was just too much.

Keith Sedlacek led the Crimson scoring against Fordham with 19 points. Barry Williams had 13, and Rhodes scholar Merle McClung added nine points to the Harvard total.