MIT Survives at Salem State

Mitchell Kates converted both of his free throws with 5.6 seconds remaining to give MIT a 76-75 win on the road this evening against Salem State university.

MIT would build a lead as much as 11 in the first half, and go into the break up by 7, but could not shake Salem State. The Vikings would use a 17-8 run at the beginning of the 2nd half to briefly take a 2 point lead with 14.5 minutes left in the contest. MIT responded, though, and did not trail again until Salem State capped off a 6-0 run to take a 1 point lead with 20 seconds to play. However, Kates would be fouled on MIT's next possession and convert the free throws.

The Engineers shot a sizzling 55% from 3, but uncharacteristically were outrebounded 47-31. Kates led MIT with 22 points (5-7 on 3s) and 5 assists. Noel Hollingsworth added 18 points and 8 boards, while Will Tashman added 8 points, 10 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Also shooting well for MIT was Jamie Karraker, who scored 17 points (4-6 on 3s).

MIT travels to play Lesley University this Saturday, December 11, for their last game of the fall semester.

Davis Delivers in MIT Victory

Image Courtesy of Dawn Anderson
MIT cruised past UMass-Boston this evening, behind solid contributions from the freshman class. Newcomer Nick Davis posted a career-high 29 points on 12-13 shooting, to go along with 7 boards. Noel Hollingsworth also played well, scoring 16 points in just 17 minutes of action.

The game was lopsided from the start, as MIT would build a lead as large as 40-15 lead in the first half. In the second half the lead grew to 35, with the final tally being 92-68.

The game recap and boxscore can be found at the Official MIT Athletics Website.

MIT at #21 in D3Hoops.com Top 25

MIT remained in the week two edition of the D3Hoops.com Top 25, after a 3-0 week. However, despite picking up a total of 34 votes from last week's poll (107 to 141), MIT dropped a spot in the poll to #21. This was due to some teams that were previously ranked below MIT in the polls picking up some wins against more highly regarded opponents in the past week.

In addition to MIT, the NEWMAC is now also represented by WPI in the Top 25, who breaks into the poll for the first time this season at #23.

MIT hosts UMass-Boston tonight (Tuesday, December 7, 2010) at 7:00 PM in Rockwell Cage.

Guard Play Dominates Gordon

Image Courtesy of Dawn Anderson
After a recent lack of success from the outside, MIT got back on track from behind the arc this afternoon, en route to a 92-73 win at Gordon. After a close opening few minutes of the game, MIT would start to pull away, leading by 16 at the half. The lead would balloon to as many as 26 in the second half, before the final margin of 19. MIT shot 14-25 (56%) from 3 in this contest, a large improvement over their 6-31 (19%) 3-point shooting in their last game against Newbury.

MIT was led by starting guards Mitchell Kates and Jamie Karraker. Kates flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 23 points (10-15 FGs), 8 assists, and 7 steals. Karraker shot 7-9 from 3, accounting for all 21 of his points. Will Tashman added a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Noel Hollingsworth returned for the Engineers, easing back into action in a reserve role.

The game boxscore can be found at the Official MIT Athletics Website.

MIT improves to 6-1 on the season. They host UMass-Boston on Tuesday, December 7, at 7:00 PM in Rockwell Cage. The matchup will be the first time Coach Anderson faces his son, Paul, in collegiate competion, who is a freshman on the UMass-Boston squad.

Defense, Dickson Carry MIT Over Newbury

MIT overcame poor outside shooting with strong play in the post and on the defensive end, carrying them to a 61-53 win over Newbury College this evening at Rockwell Cage.

MIT came out of the gates asleep in this contest, being outplayed in every facet of the game for the first 13 minutes of action. MIT was finally awokened after the found themselves down 28-17 with 7 minutes to play in the first half, going on a 21-6 run that gave them a 4 point lead at the intermission. MIT shot poorly from distance throughout the contest, going a total of 6-31 from 3 for the game, but especially in the second half (0-13 from 3). However, strong defense allowed them to push the lead to double-digits in the second half, with the final margin being 8 points. MIT was led by freshman Will Dickson, scoring a game-high 18 points on 8-14 shooting, adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals. Will Tashman also played strong in the post, scoring 15 points on 6-8 shooting. Point guard Mitch Kates led the team with 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals.

The game boxscore can be found at the Official MIT Athletics Website.

MIT tavels to play at Gordon this Saturday for a 3:00 PM tipoff.

MIT-Harvard Game Reception and Signup for Alumni Celebration

The MIT Club of Boston is again organizing an event to rally support around the MIT Men's basketball program as they get set to face Harvard on December 31, at 2:00 PM. All friends of MIT can buy tickets ahead of the date of the game for only $10 at the link below. Following the game, there will be a free reception for those that RSVP.

BUY TICKETS FOR THE HARVARD GAME AND RSVP FOR THE POST-GAME RECEPTION

In addition to the event on New Year's Eve following the game at Harvard, MIT will be commemorating the 110 year anniversary of basketball at MIT and the 150th anniversary of The Institute at its biannual alumni celebration in February. The registration for the event is now open and can be found at the link below utilizing the Infinite Connection system.

RSVP FOR BIANNUAL ALUMNI CELEBRATION INCLUDING 110 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF MIT BASKETBALL

MIT Cruises Past Emerson

MIT's size was just too much, as they nearly doubled-up Emerson College in rebounds, 37-19, en route to a 70-56 home victory. MIT was led by sophomores Will Tashman (22 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 steal) and Mitchell Kates (15 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals).

The game started in defensive gridlock, as the score stood just 16-14 with 6 minutes remaining in the first half. MIT would finish the half strong, however, going on a 19-6 run to end the half up by 15. In the second half, MIT would extend the lead to as many as 22 with 8 minutes remaining in the game, before Emerson went on a small run to account for the final 14 point margin. The boxscore can be found at the Official MIT Athletics Website.

MIT hosts Newbury College on Thursday, Decemeber 2, at 7:00 PM in their next contest.

MIT Ranked #20 in Week 1 of D3Hoops.com Poll

D3Hoops.com has just released their 2010-2011 week 1 poll and MIT remained in the Top 25, at #20, despite an early season loss. The Engineers, 3-1, dropped from the #15 spot in the preseason poll. MIT was not alone with their early season loss, as 14 of the preseason Top 25 squads picked up at least one loss since the previous rankings were released. Fellow NEWMAC foe WPI remains just outside of the top 25, receiving the 28th most votes in the poll.

MIT hosts Emerson College tonight, November 30, in Rockwell Cage. Tip is set for 7:00 PM.

Tashman Named NEWMAC Player of the Week

Image Courtesy of Dawn Anderson
For leading the Engineers to 2-0 week, while averaging 19 points, 9.5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, MIT sophomore forward Will Tashman has been named the NEWMAC Player of the Week. The full release can be found at the NEWMAC Sports Website.

Tashman Leads MIT Over Suffolk

MIT rolled in their road win over Suffolk this afternoon, 86-47. Leading the Engineers was Will Tashman, setting team and game highs in points (22), rebounds (9), and assists (5). For full game recap visit the MIT Athletics Website. Box score can be found here.

In their next contest, MIT hosts Emerson College on Tuesday, November 30. Tip is set for 7:00 PM.