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Second-Half Spurt Leads to Win

Alexandra C. Dowd

BOSTON—Once again, Jeremy Lin saved his best for last.

With five minutes left and his team trailing by four points, the co-captain guard singlehandedly outscored Boston University, 11-0, over the next three minutes of play, leading Harvard to its first road victory over the Terriers (2-5) since 1975.

The Crimson’s 78-70 win ended an eight-game losing streak for Harvard (5-1) against its cross-town opponent.

“It feels great to finally be able to get that win—not getting swept in your college career,” senior Pat Magnarelli said.

It was Magnarelli’s classmate, Lin, who prevented the sweep.

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Held to just three points in the first half, the 6’3 guard exploded to a 16-point second frame on 4-of-6 shooting.

“He has great stamina,” Crimson coach Tommy Amaker said. “He can go longer, harder than most other people.”

After falling behind early in the second half, Harvard struggled to regain the lead down the stretch, trailing 64-60 with just over five minutes remaining.

Lin cut the lead to two after he was fouled turning the corner on his defender.

BU, which struggled from behind the arc throughout the contest—shooting 25 percent from long range—then misfired on a three-pointer.

Freshman Brandyn Curry dribbled up the court and found Lin on the left wing with just enough space to sink the three that gave Harvard its first lead since the opening minutes of the second half.

This time, the Crimson would not give up the advantage.

Junior swingman John Holland, who led the Terriers with 18 points, did his best to respond, driving to the basket for a lay-up—but not before he was whistled for an offensive foul.

Lin extended the lead to three points for Harvard, hitting two free throws after getting tripped up on his way to the basket.

On the following possession, Lin came away with a steal and darted back the other way, kissing the ball off the glass.

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