MIT gutted out a hard-fought win at WPI this afternoon, 63-52, to take their 2nd NEWMAC championship in three years. After jumping out to a 21-11 lead over the first 13 minutes of the contest, MIT would go cold the rest of the half and trail 26-28 at the intermission. Undeterred, MIT would up the defensive pressure to start the second half, allowing only 6 points in the first 11.5 minutes. That 20-6 run would put them ahead for good, as they would lead by as many as 15 en route to the victory and NEWMAC championship.
For the game, MIT shot a stellar 55% from the field, 53% from 3, and 88% from the line. They won comfortably despite WPI taking nearly twice as many field goals(58 vs. 31). The main difference was MIT's performance from deep and the FT line, as MIT had 5 more made 3's and 14 more made FTs than WPI.
Will Tashman was named the tournament MVP, as he averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds for the tournament. Tashman led the Engineers this afternoon as well, scoring 17 points and hauling in 10 rebounds. Mitch Kates was also solid, scoring 13 and dishing out 5 assists. Billy Bender also scored 13 for the Engineers.
MIT will find out tomorrow where and when they will play, as the NCAA will have the tournament selection special. WPI also has a good chance of making the tournament as an at-large selection.
Check www.NCAA.com for the broadcast.
