MIT turned a single-digit halftime lead into a comfortable win with an early run in the second half. MIT improves to 17-2 overall and 5-1 in NEWMAC play.
The game started off with both teams going back and forth for the first couple of minutes, before MIT went on a 14-4 run to go up 18-9 5 minutes into the action. MIT held the margin right around double digits for the next 10+ minutes, before building their lead to its largest of the first half, at 43-30, with 3 minutes to go. Coast Guard ended the half in a flurry, however, going on a 7-0 run to cut the lead to 6 with just 12 second to play in the half, but a last second shot by Noel Hollingsworth increased the lead back up to 8 points at the half.
The second half was all MIT, as they went on a 16-4 run in the first 8 minutes to blow the game open 61-41. The game would not be close the rest of the game as MIT won by the same margin, 78-58.
MIT was again led by Noel Hollingsworth, who scored 25 points on 10-13 shooting, adding 7 boards. Will Tashman continued his solid play, finishing one point shy of a double-double, with 9 points and 12 rebounds. Billy Johnson and Jimmy Burke both came alive, scoring 12 and 14 points, respectively, behind four three-pointers a piece. Mitch Kates was again stellar at the point, adding 14 points on 5-9 shooting.
MIT returns to action on Saturday as they travel to WPI to face the other Engineers in the NEWMAC. MIT handed WPI their worst loss of the season on January 13, 76-53. It was the first win for MIT over WPI in 7 years. Tip is set for 1 PM.
