HANOVER, N.H. (Interstat) — In a methodical and defensively dominant performance, the Harvard Crimson avenged an early-season loss by defeating the Dartmouth Big Green 71-58 in an Ivy League men’s basketball game Saturday at Leede Arena.

The contest, played before a crowd of 1,414, was defined by Harvard’s stifling defense and efficient offense, which steadily built a lead after halftime and never allowed Dartmouth to mount a serious comeback. The victory improved Harvard to 13-9 overall, while Dartmouth fell to 10-11.

The most important part of the game was a decisive 15-2 run by Harvard spanning the middle of the second half. With the Crimson leading 38-33 and just over 14 minutes remaining, Harvard tightened its defensive grip. The surge began with a Chandler Pigge steal and assist to Tey Barbour for a 3-pointer. Robert Hinton then converted a layup, and after a Dartmouth turnover, Barbour struck again from beyond the arc. When Thomas Batties sank a mid-range jumper with 10:57 left, Harvard’s lead had ballooned to 48-35, effectively putting the game out of reach. Dartmouth never got closer than nine points the rest of the way.

Harvard’s win was anchored by a superior shooting performance and a significant advantage in the paint. The Crimson shot 47.1% from the field, compared to Dartmouth’s 33.9%. Harvard also made 16 of 18 free throws and outscored Dartmouth 32-22 in the paint.

Robert Hinton led all scorers with 20 points for Harvard, adding two assists and a block in 36 minutes. Tey Barbour contributed 17 points, including three 3-pointers, and added a block and a steal. Thomas Batties provided a strong all-around effort with 14 points, two assists and two blocks, while Chandler Pigge chipped in 13 points and two assists.

Dartmouth was led by Jayden Williams with 19 points. Brandon Mitchell-Day added 14 points and a game-high 11 rebounds for a double-double. Connor Amundsen finished with nine points and three assists.

The first half was a tightly contested affair, featuring eight lead changes. Dartmouth’s early offense relied on Williams, who scored 12 of his points before the break. Harvard, however, closed the half on a 7-0 run, capped by a Barbour layup with just over two minutes left, to take a 32-30 lead into halftime.

The second half belonged entirely to Harvard. The Crimson opened with a quick 6-1 spurt to establish a seven-point cushion and then delivered the knockout blow with the 15-2 run. Dartmouth’s offensive struggles were pronounced after intermission, as the Big Green shot just 8 of 28 from the field and 2 of 12 from 3-point range in the final 20 minutes.

Harvard’s defense was a constant, forcing nine turnovers and registering five steals and four blocks. The Crimson also limited Dartmouth’s second-chance opportunities, holding a narrow edge in offensive rebounds, 6-4.

The game was a reversal of the teams’ first meeting on Jan. 5, when Dartmouth won 76-68 in Cambridge. With the victory, Harvard continues its positive momentum in Ivy League play.

Harvard next hosts Brown on Friday night, while Dartmouth will welcome Yale on the same evening.