The Matchups:

On paper, Princeton may have the slightest of edges in terms of individual match-ups today, but as Harvard captain Mark Panarese said Thursday, "All the way down the line, it's literally a tossup."

Number one-Mike Desaulniers [Harvard] vs. Tom Page: A dream match. Desaulniers and Page are the two best amateurs in North America, maybe in the world.

Princeton coach Benjamin yesterday called them the two best ever to play the college game. Page, who sat out second semester last year with academic trouble, won the 1977 national men's amateur; Desaulniers won the national college championship. Neither has ever lost a college match, but Desaulniers holds a five-to-one edge over Page in individual competition.

Although they have similar styles, Desaulniers is quicker, more consistent in shotmaking and more of a finesse player, while Page has a slightly more explosive, powerful game.

The winner? Said Benjamin, "It's like Connors and Borg playing."

Said Page with a grin, "It's going to be a battle. I'm sure we'll have a lot of fun."

Number two--John Havens vs. Frank Brosens: Havens, in a word, has been awesome against Princeton. As a freshman two years ago, he pulled the upset of the year by taking a five-game thriller from Princeton's undefeated captain at number two; last year, he fought off a vicious crowd and a tough opponent in Bill Fisher to win in four games at number three.

Brosens, for his part, may be the toughest fighter on the Tiger team. A senior captain, he turned last year's match around by defeating Harvard standout Bill Kaplan after trailing, 2-0.

Brosens is a quietly intense, emotional player, a scrambler who should have an edge over Havens in terms of court position. Havens is equally intense, a hard hitter whose sole weakness may be his mobility.

For Harvard to win the match, a Havens victory is virtually a must.

Number three--Ned Bacon vs. Gary Fogler: A couple of combat-experienced veterans, both have improved this season and moved up the ladder significantly. Bacon's near-perfect college record has been marred by two tough losses against Princeton.

Number four--Mark Panarese vs. Bill Fisher: Fisher is a tough, physical player, but Crimson captain Panarese is a shrewd competitor and--according to Benjamin--"may be the most intelligent player on Harvard's team."

Numbers five and six--John Stubbs vs. Peter Thompson, Clancy Nixon vs. Thor Kayeum: Both crucial matches. Thompson defeated Bacon in five sets last year, and Kayeum edged Stubbs. Kayeum has been playing some of his best squash the last few weeks.

Seven through nine--Mitch Reese vs. Andy Frost, Chuck Elliot vs. John Nimick, Clark Bain vs. Andy McDonald: All three should be evenly contested. Harvard's Reese, and Princeton's Nimick and McDonald are freshmen.

It's the '76 Reds against the '27 Yankees.