MIT received strong play from their post players, en route to a 67-56 win over visiting Springfield. Both teams entered the game 3-0 in the NEWMAC, but MIT takes over sole posession of first in the conference with the victory. Noel Hollingsworth led MIT with 25 points (8-12 FG), 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Will Tashmen also contributed strong post play, scoring 12 points (5-6 FG) and 9 rebounds. Billy Bender contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds, Mitchell Kates had 10 points, and Jimmy Burke had 9 points.
MIT came out of the gate very quickly, rushing out to a 10-2 lead. MIT lead by as many as 12 with just under 11 minutes to play in the half, but Springfield slowly began to chip away. Over the next 5 minutes Springfield cut the MIT lead to 2, but 3 three-pointers in a 1 minute span by Jimmy Burke pushed the lead back to double-digits. Springfield ended the half strong, pulling to within 4 points behind a 9-2 run.
The tight game continued into the second half, with MIT leading by no more than two posessions for the first six minutes of the second half. Springfield finally broke through, taking their only lead of the game with 13:41 left, 42-41. MIT retook the lead shortly after, but the teams still played close until about the 6 minute mark, until MIT finished the game on a 13-6 run. MIT shot 11-14 from the FT line in the last 8 minutes of the game, helping secure the win.
MIT improves to 16-1 overall and a perfect 15-0 in DIII play. MIT returns to NEWMAC action on Saturday at 1:00 PM, hosting Wheaton College.
