Depite scoring only 9 points in the first 12 minutes of regulation, MIT was able to rally to pull out a close road win in NEWMAC action versus Clark.
Clark rushed out of the gates and quickly built a double-digit lead, 14-3, in just under 6 minutes of play. MIT continued to struggle most of the first half, going down by 14 with 9:18 to play. Clark continued to lead by double figures over the next 8 minutes, the final time being with 1:37 left, 35-21. MIT, however, would mount a 6-0 run, five of which came from Mitchell Kates ('13), to enter the half down by 8, 35-27.
MIT would come out hot in the second half, mounting a 13-5 run in the first five minutes to tie the score 40-40. They would continue their good defense, holding Clark scoreless over the next 7 minutes of the game, allowing them to gain their first lead and extend it to 45-40 with 8:18 to play. Clark would not go away, however, as they outscored MIT 7-2 over the next 4.5 minutes to knot the score again. MIT then countered with a 6-0 run of their own and was able to hold off a last push by Clark to get the 54-51 win.
MIT was led in scoring by sophomore Noel Hollingsworth ('12), with 17 points on 8-11 shooting. Mitchell Kates was the only other Engineer in double figures with 12. Billy Bender ('12) led the team with 7 rebounds.
MIT improves to 15-1 and remains undefeated against Division III opponents. They host Springfield College next Wednesday at 6:00 PM. Both teams will enter the game 3-0 in conference play and therefore will be playing for the early conference lead.
