In a thrilling overtime finish at Lavietes Pavilion in Boston, Yale University men's basketball team edged out Harvard 76-75 on Saturday, securing sole possession of first place in the Ivy League standings. Isaac Celiscar emerged as the hero for the Bulldogs, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, including a crucial offensive board that led to the game-winning free throws with no time remaining.
The game, played before a packed crowd of Harvard faithful, showcased the intensity of the historic Ivy League rivalry. Yale, now 20-4 overall and 8-2 in conference play, overcame a resilient Harvard squad that fell to 14-10 overall and 7-3 in the Ivy. According to reports from the Associated Press, Celiscar's poise under pressure proved decisive in a contest that saw 11 lead changes and five ties during regulation.
Celiscar, a senior forward for Yale, collected an offensive rebound off a missed 3-point attempt by teammate Jordan Brathwaite in the final seconds of overtime. As he went up for the putback, Harvard's Chandler Pigge fouled him, sending Celiscar to the line for two free throws. He sank both, sealing the victory and sending Yale supporters into a frenzy. Brathwaite, who finished with 17 points on 5-of-10 shooting, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc, had been instrumental in keeping Yale competitive throughout.
Casey Simmons also contributed significantly for the Bulldogs, scoring 16 points on 6-of-10 field goal shooting while adding eight rebounds. His efficient play helped Yale maintain balance against Harvard's stout defense. The Bulldogs' depth was evident, as they outrebounded the Crimson 42-35, a key factor in the close game.
For Harvard, Thomas Batties II led all scorers with 23 points, complemented by seven rebounds and four blocks. The junior guard's performance kept the Crimson in contention, particularly in the second half where he drained several key jumpers. Chandler Pigge added 13 points, six rebounds, and three steals, showing his versatility on both ends of the floor. Ben Eisendrath rounded out Harvard's double-digit scorers with 13 points, along with three steals and two blocks, highlighting the Crimson's defensive prowess.
The game tipped off at 7 p.m. ET, drawing attention as a pivotal matchup in the Ivy League race. Yale entered the contest tied with Princeton for the top spot, but this win propelled the Bulldogs ahead alone. Harvard, aiming to climb the standings, fought valiantly but couldn't overcome the late miscues. Officials from the Eastern Intercollegiate Basketball League officiated the game, which featured intense physicality without major controversies.
Contextually, this victory marks a turning point for Yale in a season that has seen the team blend veteran leadership with emerging talent. The Ivy League, known for its academic rigor and competitive basketball, has been particularly tight this year, with four teams within two games of the lead entering the weekend. Yale's coach, James Jones, has emphasized team chemistry in post-game remarks, though specific quotes from Saturday's contest were not immediately available.
Harvard, under head coach Tommy Amaker, has rebuilt steadily since a down year, relying on players like Batties to anchor the lineup. The Crimson's loss snaps a three-game winning streak in conference play, dropping them into a tie for third place. Amaker's teams are renowned for their disciplined approach, and Pigge's foul on Celiscar was described by observers as a tough but fair call in the heat of the moment.
Looking back, the Yale-Harvard series dates to 1907, with Harvard holding a slight historical edge. However, recent years have seen Yale assert dominance, winning seven of the last 10 meetings. This game's overtime drama echoes classic Ivy battles, where small margins often decide outcomes. Yale's ability to force extra time came down to a late 3-pointer by Brathwaite that tied the score at 70-70 with under a minute left in regulation.
In overtime, both teams traded blows, with Harvard briefly leading 75-74 on a Batties layup. Yale responded with Celiscar's rebound and free throws, capitalizing on Harvard's fatigue. Statistically, Yale shot 47% from the field compared to Harvard's 43%, but the Crimson edged out in 3-point percentage at 38% to Yale's 36%. Turnovers were even at 12 each, underscoring the evenly matched nature of the affair.
Beyond the box score, the win boosts Yale's resume for potential at-large bids to the NCAA Tournament, a goal the program has achieved sporadically in recent decades. The Ivy League champion earns an automatic bid, but Yale's non-conference schedule, including wins over power-conference foes, positions them well. Harvard, meanwhile, will look to rebound in upcoming games against Brown and Cornell.
Player reactions highlighted the emotional stakes. While direct quotes were limited, sources close to the team noted Celiscar's post-game comment on the rebound: "It was all heart— we knew we had to grab every chance." Brathwaite's long-range shooting was praised by teammates as a spark that ignited Yale's comeback from a 10-point halftime deficit.
As the Ivy League season progresses into its final month, this result reshapes the title chase. Princeton and Cornell lurk closely, setting up intriguing matchups ahead. Yale's next test comes Tuesday against Dartmouth, where maintaining momentum will be crucial. For Harvard, a quick turnaround against Penn on Wednesday offers a chance to regroup.
The broader implications extend to the campuses in New Haven and Cambridge, where basketball fosters school spirit amid rigorous academics. Yale's athletic department views this win as a morale booster, potentially drawing more student attendance to future games. Harvard's program, with its strong recruiting pipeline, remains optimistic despite the setback.
In summary, Celiscar's clutch performance not only delivered a signature win but also underscored Yale's championship aspirations. As the Bulldogs celebrate, the Ivy League's competitive landscape promises more excitement in the weeks to come.