Five, Plagued by Fumbles, Errors, Tackles M.I.T. Engineers at IAB Tonight

Harvard basketball coach Floyd Wilson was sitting in the IAB bleachers during the freshman game against Northeastern Monday night. Someone began to commiserate with him on the sad fortunes of his team.

"The breaks haven't been going our way," Wilson said, "but more important, we've been committing too many turnovers. We give up the ball too many times before we get a shot."

Two hours later, Harvard was a loser for the fourth time in six outings by 72-67, and Wilson deserved prophet status. In the first half, when Harvard fell hopelessly behind by 20 points, the Crimson gave the ball away 14 times.

Bad passes. Northeastern steals, traveling violations and offensive fouls all contributed to the disaster. By the time Harvard recovered in the second half, when they lost the ball only three times, it was too late.

There is no simple explanation for sloppy play. Lack of confidence, game jitters and the absence of the killer instinct all have a part. A hustling team wil pick up the loose ball, get the second shot rebound and win the close games.

When Barth Royer and Chris Gallagher started to fight off the backboards Monday night, Harvard began the counter-surge which fell only five points short at the final buzzer.

Tonight Harvard faces M.I.T. Based on past records Harvard should win handily. M.I.T. has lost to Wesleyan and the University of New Hampshire, the only teams Harvard has beaten.

The Engineers have much the same problem as Wesleyan--no height. Dave Jansson stands 6'5" and has a 27 point average. He'll be joined in the forecourt by 6'4" Alec Bash and a 6'2" import from the West Coast. In the backcourt are two 5'9" guards, Bruce Wheeler (averaging 14.4) and Steve Chamberlain (10.2)..

Overall M.I.T. is 4-3.