Despite leading on several occasions throughout the game, MIT was not able to pull out a close game against Wheaton this evening at Rockwell Cage. The game was tied at the half, and at 66-66 with 4:47 remaining in the game, but a 9-0 run near the end of the game sealed it for Wheaton.
Leading the Engineers was Will Tashman with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. Jamie Karraker nailed 5 3's to chip in 15 points and Mitch Kates put in a solid effort with 14 points and 6 assists.
The full game recap and boxscore can found at the official MIT Athletics website.Despite the loss, MIT secured at least the #3 spot in the NEWMAC tournament, and a first round bye, by virtue of Babson's loss this evening. Also, regardless of the outcome of the Springfield/WPI matchup tonight, the season finale next Satuday, February 19, between MIT and Springfield will decide the #2 seed for the tournament (MIT would hold the tiebreaker if they win the game, as they already won the first matchup between the two teams this season). That matchup will also be MIT's senior day, and include other events due to MIT's biannual alumni celebration. At halftime of the game, all captain's past and present will be honored as a part of the celebration honoring 110 years of basketball at MIT (and MIT 150). Tip is set for 3:00 PM.
The NCAA has released their third of four weekly regional rankings leading up to the NCAA Division III tournament selection day. Despite a loss, MIT moved up to #9 in the poll as a result of other results in the region.
