MIT Overcomes Slow Start, Defeats Clark

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.

Hollingsworth Picks up Weekly Honors

After an outstanding week, in which he contributed to wins over Tufts and Babson, Noel Hollingsworth has been named NEWMAC Player of the Week. This is the third time he has received the award this year. In a 71-59 win at Tufts, Hollingsworth collected his 8th double-double of the season, notching 16 points (8-15 FG), 13 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Then, in MIT's NEWMAC opener against Babson, Hollingsworth poured in 37 points on 17-26 shooting in the 72-45 win. In doing so, he tied an over 40 year-old record for field goals made in a game. He also added 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks in the game.

In addition to the NEWMAC honors, Hollingsworth was named ECAC New England Player of the Week, his second such award, and to the D3hoops.com Team of the Week, also his second time receiving that honor.