BOSTON--Back in November, Harvard turned in one of its most exciting games of the season against cross-town rival Boston College.

Though the Crimson fell to the Eagles 3-2 in extra minutes--thanks to a dubiously waived goal--Harvard's stellar performance boosted it into the national rankings for the first and only time this season.

Unfortunately, the Crimson couldn't bring the same effort to the table last night against B.C. in the opening round of the 49th annual Beanpot Tournament. The Eagles dominated the majority of playing time and downed the Crimson 4-1, proving once again why they are No. 2 in the nation.

Since the Thanksgiving contest, it is clear that both squads have improved dramatically, as both teams have steadily climbed in their respective leagues. B.C. has a lock on first place in Hockey East, and the Crimson is only a point from possessing the top slot in the ECAC behind Ivy foe Cornell.

However, it's tough to draw a comparison between the two leagues, as Hockey East boasts some of the best teams in the nation, including Providence and Maine.

And while it's a heated battle for first in the ECAC among teams like Harvard, Cornell, and St. Lawrence, the Eagles are thick in the hunt for a national championship. B.C. essentially has a lock on its regular season conference title, having dropped both Providence and Maine handily in two games each, including a 7-2 embarrassment of the Black Bears in late January.

Although the Eagles are one of the top teams to beat in the country this season, there's always a chance for upset in the annual Beantown tournament. Harvard didn't have much of a chance to put this plan into action as B.C. jumped to an early and insurmountable two-goal lead after the first period.

The end of the final frame witnessed a rejuvenated Crimson squad, but its effort was much too late. A great individual effort from rookie winger Kenny Turano at 9:38 prevented Harvard's second straight blanking in the first round of the Beanpot, but B.C. steamrolled to victory.