GAME NOTES: Harvard wraps up an already successful four-game homestand on Wednesday when the Crimson host the crosstown rival Northeastern Huskies.

Lavietes Pavilion was rocking last Saturday when Wesley Saunders poured in 27 points and drained the game-winning bucket in the final minute as Harvard held off Massachusetts, 75-73.

The game featured nine ties and 10 lead changes and saw Saunders shoot 10- of-16 from the field. Kenyatta Smith tallied 11 points, seven rebounds and three blocks and Siyani Chambers handed out nine assists for the Crimson, who have won all four of their home games this year.

Harvard trailed by nine early in the second half, and Saunders put Harvard ahead for good on a three-point play with 38 seconds left. Trey Davis had a chance to win the game for UMass with time running down but his last-second 3- point attempt did not fall.

Saunders is easily Harvard's best option on the offensive end. The senior guard is pouring in 21.8 ppg while making 56.7 percent of his shots. He's also the team's leading rebounder (7.8 rpg) and adds 4.4 apg.

Steve Moundou-Missi is nearly posting double figures at 9.6 ppg for the Crimson, who have held four of their five opponents under 64 points.

Northeastern is also off to a fast start, as the Huskies are 5-1 for just the fourth time since the 1972-73 season.

After capturing the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Tip-Off title, Northeastern fended off the Fairfield Stags, 57-48, on Saturday.

Scott Eatherton shot 8-of-12 from the field for 18 points and added a team- best seven rebounds, while Zach Stahl and T.J. Williams netted 14 and 10 points, respectively, for the victors.

Northeastern ran out to a commanding 33-16 lead at intermission and led by at least seven points the rest of the way.

Five players average at least 8.0 ppg for the Huskies, with Eatherton pacing everyone at 15.7 ppg. David Walker checks in at 13.3 ppg and, along with Quincy Ford, has connected on an efficient 29-of-62 (46.7 percent) attempts from long range.

Of the 50 all-time meetings between these programs, Harvard has come away victorious 36 times, including last year's 72-64 victory. The Crimson appear to have righted the ship following a surprising loss to Holy Cross on Nov. 16, so they should tack on another in the win column.