Perhaps the best way to judge a team's heart is to witness its response to a tough loss. Some squads cower in the face of adversity while for others it provides the fuel for future success.

After a disappointing 5-4 loss to a mediocre Worcester State team on Tuesday, (a loss that occurred on the heels of the Jumbos' triumphant overtime win at the previously undefeated Johnson and Wales) Tufts answered with a resounding 5-2 victory against Lebanon Valley.

"We should not have lost the Worcester game," said defenseman, tri-captain Dan Mahoney. "They play with a real sit-back style, even a little cheap at times, but it was a game we shouldn't have lost. We all got together and re-focused. It was a big win for us. These types of wins show you what you're made of."

In winning, Tufts handed Lebanon Valley its second league loss of the season. The Brown and Blue improved its record to 11-3 overall, and 9-1 in the ECAC.

"Lebanon is solid, they are a good team," Mahoney continued. "They have a lot of quickness but we really shut them down."

Two Jumbos provided the catalyst for the thumping. The first was freshman goalie Ben Crapser, who struggled early this semester after a brilliant December, but has returned to his pre-break form. In the win, Crapser tallied forty saves.

"Ben was on his head at times last night," Mahoney said. "Forty saves is incredible. A lot of their shots were from the perimeter, but there were times when he made some fantastic stops."

The other catalyst was the always impressive junior Jason Boudrow, who lit the lamps twice in Tufts' four-goal second period, and also added an assist. Boudrow's offensive numbers are so high that his three-point effort actually brought down his scoring average.

Other Jumbos had standout offensive performances, too. First-year sniper Pat Byrne continued his torrid campaign with a goal and two assists. Key contributors Natan Obed and Rob LaQuaglia rounded out the scoring for Tufts.

Perhaps the best news from the game was the improved play of Tufts' much-maligned defensive unit. "[The Blue Line] had some tough times at the beginning of the semester," Mahoney said. "Our play in the defensive zone is really getting better. Last night we hustled and won battles for loose pucks, which is what we need to do night in and night out."

Playing a big role in the victory for the first time was an excited and substantial fan base. "Oh man, the fans were great," said Mahoney.

"We prefer to play at Harvard, which is a much smaller arena. It's weird to play at B.C.; the place is so big. It seems eerily silent. The fans last night brought some intensity and helped us a lot."

The Jumbos return to action on Tuesday night when they visit UMASS-Boston and look to end January on a winning note.