As predicted by coach David Faucher prior to the season opener, junior starting forward Mark Kissling's game has improved dramatically this season, making him warrant much more playing time than he saw last year.
Apparently, it is an improved confidence in his own game that is producing results this year, including a career-high 19 points against Harvard last Saturday. He eclipsed his previous career-highs in points (18) and threes (4) notched earlier this year.
Yet it was not just basketball that made Kissling decide to matriculate.
"I came to Dartmouth College seeking the best of both worlds -- an Ivy League education and Division I basketball. What I have found is just that, and so much more."
Kissling is shooting a more-than-respectable 42 percent from three-point land this season.
Streaking the Green
Equally impressed by the three-point shooting of Kissling and Dartmouth was Harvard head coach Frank Sullivan, who said, "This team can get on a streak faster than any team in the league when they've got it going."
Last Saturday's game marked the fourth straight game Dartmouth lost to Harvard by seven points or less. Greg Buth '01 had his first non-double digit scoring game of the season with only five points.
Coach Faucher attributed Buth's poor playing to wanting to win the game too much.
"I think he and the others came out of the gates wanting it so badly that it sapped us of our energy," Faucher said.
Freshman Burns Big Green
Forward Dan Clemente, whom Dartmouth held in check throughout most of the game on Saturday, was the Ivy League's leading scorer heading into game, averaging 20.4 points per game. He also averages 8.2 rebounds per game.
Interestingly enough, it was seldom-used freshman Kam Walton of Harvard who made the perfect pass to Andrew Gellert to make Harvard's key "home run" play work in the game's waning moments. The play, which led to a fast break Crimson lay-up, broke Dartmouth's proverbial back and buoyed Harvard on to victory.
