Harvard Men's Basketball's Return to Lavietes Pavilion

Nov 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Harvard Men's Basketball is all set to make a significant comeback to Lavietes Pavilion. After its home opener on Nov. 4, the team is now gearing up to host Colgate University on Friday, Nov. 22 at 7:00 p.m. (ESPN+). This event is highly anticipated by the basketball community.

Player Highlights

First-year Guard Robert Hinton

Robert Hinton, a first-year guard, has been on fire this season. He has averaged an impressive 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. His shooting efficiency is remarkable, with 46.4 percent from the field and 40.0 percent from 3-point distance. In the NCAA, he ranks seventh among first-years in points per game. In the Ivy League, he stands fourth in points per game (17.6), total points (88), and field goals made (32), and third in free throws made (20). His debut was a showstopper as he scored 27 points on 9-of-12 field goals and 8-of-10 free throws against Marist (Nov. 4). He continued his scoring spree with 26 points and eight boards at Navy (Nov. 8) and then netted 19 points at American (Nov. 10).

Hinton's scoring ability and all-around game have made him a key player for the team. His performance on the court has been a sight to behold and has drawn the attention of basketball enthusiasts.

Junior Guard Chandler Piggé

Chandler Piggé, a junior guard, has also been making significant contributions. He has averaged 12.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this year, shooting an impressive 51.1 percent from the field. His production has increased over his career, after averaging 1.9 points per game in 2022-23 and 8.1 points per game in 2023-24. Piggé ranks fifth in the Ivy League in rebounds per game (7.2), eighth in steals per game (1.2), 12th in field goal percentage (51.1), and 15th in points per game (12.6). He has scored in double figures in four straight games (Nov. 8-17). He scored 17 points with six rebounds at Northeastern (Nov. 13), registered 16 points and eight rebounds at Navy (Nov. 8), and notched 11 points and nine rebounds at American (Nov. 10). Last winter, he averaged 8.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, shooting 81.8 percent on free throws.

Piggé's rebounding and scoring skills have been crucial for the team's success. His ability to contribute on both ends of the court makes him a valuable asset.

Sophomore Forward Thomas Batties II

Thomas Batties II, a sophomore forward, has averaged 8.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game this year, shooting 36.7 percent from 3-point distance. He ranks second in the Ivy League in blocks per game (1.8). His performance at Navy (Nov. 4) was outstanding as he scored a career-high 17 points and posted career highs in 3-pointers made (five) and blocks (four). In the season opener against Marist (Nov. 4), he notched eight points, four boards, and two blocks. He averaged 6.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game on the 2023-24 season.

Batties II's defensive prowess and scoring ability have made him a force to be reckoned with. His contributions on the court have been significant for the team.

Senior Guard Evan Nelson

Evan Nelson, a senior guard, has contributed 8.4 points and 2.0 assists per game this year, shooting 38.9 percent from 3-point distance. He netted 15 points at American (Nov. 10) and then scored 11 points at Colorado (Nov. 17). Nelson returned for the Crimson after missing the 2023-24 season due to injury. As a sophomore in 2022-23, he averaged 8.4 points, 3.4 assists, 3.0 rebounds, and 28.9 minutes per game, shooting 38.8 percent from 3-point distance and 81.0 percent from the free throw line.

Nelson's experience and shooting ability have been valuable for the team. His return from injury has added depth to the guard position.

Sophomore Forward Luca Ace-Nasteski

Luca Ace-Nasteski, a sophomore forward, has chipped in 3.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game this year. He netted nine points on 4-of-6 shooting against Marist (Nov. 4). He averaged 2.2 points and 3.1 rebounds per game a season ago.

Ace-Nasteski's contributions, although relatively modest, have still been important for the team. His development as a player is something to watch.

First-year Guards Dutch Dowdell and Tey Barbour

Dutch Dowdell, a first-year guard, has netted 5.8 points per game this year and has scored 10 points in each of the Crimson’s last two games – at Northeastern (Nov. 13) and at Colorado (Nov. 17). Tey Barbour, another first-year guard, has notched 5.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. He scored 10 points at Colorado (Nov. 17) for his first collegiate game in double figures.

These first-year guards are showing promise and adding depth to the team. Their performances in recent games have been encouraging.

Senior Guard Louis Lesmond

Louis Lesmond, a senior guard, averaged 9.8 points and 3.0 rebounds per game last season, shooting 37.9 percent from 3-point distance. He ranked fourth in the Ivy League in total 3-pointers made (64) and fifth in 3-pointers per game (2.4). He made three or more 3-pointers in each of 13 games on the year and scored in double figures 15 times.

Lesmond's shooting ability and experience have been instrumental for the team. His performance last season was outstanding and he is expected to continue his good form this year.

Series History

Harvard and Colgate have met 23 times, with the Crimson holding a slight lead in the all-time series, 12-11. The Crimson has won the last seven matchups, including a 76-70 road victory last season. This upcoming game is sure to be a thrilling encounter.

Upcoming Games

Harvard hosts Massachusetts on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 4:00 p.m. (ESPN+/NESN) in a Thanksgiving Eve matinee at Lavietes Pavilion. After that, they play at Big East member St. John’s on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 5:00 p.m. (Peacock). These games will provide more opportunities for the team to showcase their skills.