In Monday's column, we noted that strong results in January had pushed the Big Red to No. 10 in the Pairwise Rankings, the system which determines NCAA Tournament selection.

With one lopsided loss, the Harvard Crimson sent the Big Red reeling in the opposite direction.

Harvard's 6-0 loss to Boston College in the semifinal round of the Beanpot was not simply an embarrassment for the Crimson, but also a hindrance to Cornell's desire to make the NCAA tournament.

In Pairwise terms, the loss helped other teams flip "common opponent" comparisons against Cornell, and lowered the Big Red's ratings percentage index (RPI) boost from beating Harvard at Lynah in the fall. These effects allowed three teams -- Colorado College, Michigan State, and Boston College -- to jump ahead of Cornell, which drops to No. 13 in Pairwise.

Cornell will have a chance to improve its ranking with a strong showing this weekend at Quinnipiac and Princeton. Harvard plays in the Beanpot consolation game on Monday; the Crimson haven't won the four-team tournament since 1993.