Preview: Cornell Looks to Build Momentum at Harvard in Ivy League Clash

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (Interstat) — The Cornell Big Red will look to carry the momentum from a dominant road win into a challenging Ivy League test against the Harvard Crimson on Saturday at Lavietes Pavilion.

Cornell (8-9) arrives after snapping a three-game skid with an 89-67 rout at Brown on Monday. Harvard (10-8) enters on a three-game winning streak, including a narrow 64-63 victory over Penn and an 87-80 overtime triumph against Princeton last weekend.

The matchup features two of the conference’s top individual performers. Cornell is powered by guard Jake Fiegen, who is coming off a career-high 31-point, nine-rebound effort against Brown. Over his last four games against Division I opponents, Fiegen is averaging 22.5 points, demonstrating his capacity for explosive scoring. He will need another strong performance to counter a surging Harvard squad.

The Crimson have found their rhythm behind forward Thomas Batties. The versatile standout averaged 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.7 blocks during the team’s current homestand, providing consistent two-way impact. His 17-point, six-rebound, three-block performance was pivotal in the one-point win over Penn.

Harvard holds the edge in recent form and boasts a 10-3 record at home this season. The Crimson’s defense has been a cornerstone, holding opponents to an average of 58.7 points during their win streak. Cornell, which averages 88.2 points per game, will test that defense with an up-tempo attack that saw five players score in double figures against Brown.

This contest begins the back half of the Ivy League schedule for both teams. Harvard currently sits in the upper tier of the conference standings, while Cornell seeks a road victory to climb back toward .500 and improve its postseason positioning. The rematch is set for Feb. 21 in Ithaca, N.Y.

Saturday’s game tips off at 2 p.m. EST. Harvard leads the all-time series 124-86, but Cornell won last season’s meeting at Lavietes Pavilion, 89-76.