An improving varsity basketball team faces a strong Amherst squad tonight at the Lord Jeffs' home court.

Amherst, which beat the varsity, 64 to 57, over the holidays, boasts a 9-1 record. The Jeffs' lone less was to Middlebury, whom the varsity beat prior to the Christmas vacation.

Crimson coach Floyd Wilson will start three sophomores along with seniors Harry Sacks and Captain Roger Bulger. Bob Barnett will team with Bulger at guard, while Dick Harley and Phil Haughey will start at the forward posts.

Barnett, Hurley, and Haughey did not start early in the season, but all three gave strong performances in the varsity's recent games with Pennsylvania and Brown, Hurley led the Crimson in scoring in the team's 59-55 win over the Bruins last Saturday.

Two Strong Defenses

Tonight's game will match two of New England's strongest defensive teams. The varsity, which held a powerful Pennsylvania squad to 54 points, will employ a shifting man to man defense. Amherst, using a zone in all ten of its games this season, ranks first in the country defensively among small colleges.