Harvard Returns To Rose Hill Next Season

Led by guards Siyani Chambers (left) and Wesley Saunders, (right) Harvard will make return to Rose Hill Gym on December 28th to renew nonconference series with Fordham.  (Photo courtesy of USA Today)

The last time Fordham hosted Harvard, the Rams knocked off the then-No. 22 ranked Crimson by the final of 60-54 for their first victory over a Top 25 team since 1978.  Harvard may not be ranked going into next season, but they will have a chance to once again avenge the crushing defeat of two seasons ago.

As confirmed earlier this morning on Twitter by college basketball insider Jon Rothstein, Tommy Amaker and the Crimson will make their second Rose Hill Gym appearance in as many calendar years when they face Fordham on December 28th.  Harvard did defeat the Rams on December 1st of last year at Lavietes Pavilion in Cambridge by the final of 73-64, but the reigning two-time Ivy League champions have not returned to Rose Hill since the January 3, 2012 game that became one of the defining moments in the Tom Pecora regime, which now has renewed confidence and support following Fordham's signing of Christ the King guard Jon Severe, New York's Mr. Basketball this past season.

Harvard, who comes into next season as the favorite to win a third straight Ivy League title after picking up the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament win against New Mexico last month, returns each of their three leading scorers to their backcourt, with sophomore point guard Siyani Chambers joining swingmen Wesley Saunders and Laurent Rivard for their junior and senior campaigns.  In addition, Amaker welcomes back junior sixth man Steve Moundou-Missi, as well as former point guard Brandyn Curry and double-figure scoring forward Kyle Casey, both of whom withdrew from the university before last season began in an attempt to preserve their final year of eligibility following accusations of cheating on a take-home exam.

Fordham will also host Saint Francis University (PA) to open the 2013-14 season, but this is the first confirmed date for a nonconference matchup that has been made public.  The Rams may also square off against Siena and Loyola (Illinois) next season, and will more than likely renew the annual Battle of the Bronx rivalry against Manhattan at Draddy Gym in Riverdale as well.

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