The Harvard University men's crew team defeated Northeastern by three feet in the 20th rowing of the Smith Cup over the 2000-meter Charles River course on Saturday.

The Huskies led all the way and it was not until the last 10 strokes that Harvard prevailed, crossing the line at 5:43.7 to NU's 5:44.4. Northeastern nudged to a deck lead at 500, then extended it to a half-length at 1000. Both crews hit rough water caused by a strong tailwind at 1100. The Crimson handled the conditions better and narrowed the margin to a deck at 1500.

In the sprint to the finish, the Crimson squeaked out the victory in the last several feet for their 11th straight Smith Cup.

Harvard now holds a 17-3 Smith Cup lead and a 26-4 series lead. Both crews will have next week off and will be preparing for the Eastern Sprints at Lake Quinsigamond on Sun., May 18.

Varsity: Harvard 5:43.7; NU 5:44.4
2nd Varsity: Harvard 5:49.7; NU 5:51.2
Freshman: Harvard 5:50.8; NU 6:01.0