English Hoopsters Top Harvard, 88-85

All that was missing was the playing of "God Save the Queen." The Union Jack was flying high over the court at the IAB last night, as England's Team Fiat upended Harvard's varsity hoopsters, 88-85, in a pre-season exhibition contest.

The game, sponsored by People to People Sports Committee, Inc. proved exciting, and at times, spectacular. It remained close for most of the second half until the high-flying antics of Fiat's Darnell Harrell and Peter Jackson broke things open.

Both teams played a disorganized one-on-one game, with much of the play dominated by end-to-end races. Jackson, a speedy backcourt man, won most of those sprints, and proved to be the difference in the outcome.

"Transition was our biggest problem," Crimson Coach Tom Sanders said after the game. "We were slow in going from offense to defense, and they beat us down the court all night."

Before the game, Sanders said he was looking for a physical battle. "International basketball rules allow much more contact," Sanders said. "Even though the game is being played under NCAA rules, I still expect a great deal of contact."

Sanders' prediction proved correct. Sloppy ball-handling and poor play-execution were the consequences of physical aggression. Most of the players spent a great deal of time on their backs or in someone else's arms.

Cramped Quarters

Despite the contact, the players, who exchanged gifts before the game, stayed friendly and the action remained exciting. Jackson, an MIT graduate now living in England, displayed his explosive jumping ability, as he soared over Crimson players to block four shots and score 19 points.

Harvard countered the Fiat's Jackson-Harrell combination with some clean outside shooting by Bob Hooft, Jonas Honick and Jeff Hill. Center Seven Irion, who poured in 19 points from the inside, helped bolster the Crimson offense.

Fiat took the lead from Harvard with just 1:20 left in the half on a 15-footer by John Dabrowski. The Crimson never really got the lead back after that. Fiat center Neville Hopkins put in a hook shot at the buzzer to give England a 42-37 half-time bulge.

Low Point

Harrell, who played college basketball in Missouri, led all scorers with 36 points, controlled the second half and kept Fiat on top by a small lead. A Harvard rally late in the game fell short at the buzzer when David Rogers was fouled while shooting, but missed his shot. With no time left on the clock, Rogers also missed both free throws. The three-point play could have tied the contest.

Before the varsity game, the Harvard freshmen destroyed Leicester Junior College, 107-73, in a pre-season scrimmage. Center Joe Beaullieu led the frosh hoopsters with 21 points.