For the second time this season, MIT lost a close game in the final minute to Wheaton in NEWMAC conference action tonight. The loss drops MIT to 21-3 overall, and 9-2 in the NEWMAC. Wheaton won behind a blistering shooting performance, as they were 10-16 on the game from 3, as well as 24-27 from the FT line. MIT was only 8-31 from 3 and attempted just 8 FTs, making 5.
The game starting out with Wheaton in control, storming out to a 14-6 lead in the first 5 minutes of the game. MIT would respond, going on a 23-3 run over an 8 minute span, to take over the lead and push it to 12 with 7 minutes remaining in the first half. Wheaton would end the half on a short spurt to cut the halftime lead to 6, with MIT leading 34-28.
The second half started much like the first, as MIT came out slumbering. They would not score in the first 4 minutes, as Wheaton mounted a 13-0 run to start the half to go up 41-34. Wheaton would never relinquish that lead, building it to as many as 11 points with 5 minutes remaining in the half. MIT made one last push, going on a 19-10 run over the next 4.5 minutes to cut the lead to 2 with 36 seconds remainig. Wheaton would shut the door, however, making their FTs to close out the game. The final score was 84-77.
MIT endured one of their worst shooting games of the season, going 32-82 from the field (39%) and 8-31 from 3 (26%). Noel Hollingsworth and Eric Zuk both fouled out for MIT. Mitchel Kates paced MIT with 24 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Noel Hollingsworth had his 12th double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds, also adding 3 steals. Jimmy Burke chipped in with 15 points.
MIT next travels to Springfield on Saturday to play a game that could be for the NEWMAC regular-season championship. More to come later on tie-breaking scenarios on Tech Hoops, so check back.
Official MIT Release
