Poor Shooting Plagues MIT in Preseason Tuneup

The Engineers shot just 28% from the field to go along with 29 turnovers in their preseason exhibition tuneup versus Division I Harvard University tonight, falling to the Crimson 79-37.

Point guard Paul Dawson drives against Siyani Chambers (Photo: Tom Gearty) 

Harvard, last year's Ivy League champions, brought back nearly their entire squad from their 2012-2013 NCAA Tourney team, and added seniors Kyle Casey and Brandyn Curry, who were sidelined last season, to the mix. Harvard shot 46% from the field and won the rebounding battle 37-33.

Junior captain Matt Redfield was one rebound away from a double-double (Photo: Tom Gearty)

Although MIT certainly found the areas they need to improve on, the young Engineers got a glimpse of some of the weapons they have in store. High-flying 6'8" junior captain Matt Redfield, an All-Conference selection last year, led the Engineers with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Redfield comes into the season coming off a standout Sophomore campaign, posting a 59.5% FG% (3rd all-time in MIT history), 49 blocks (3rd all-time), and 26 dunks (unofficially 1st all-time).

MIT also showed how bright the future might be, with solid play from the freshman trio of 6'10" Tim Higgins, 6'8" Tim Butala, and 6'3" guard Dakota Pierce. Pierce showed his sweet stroke and his ability to get to the basket, while the "Big Tims" were a presence in the paint on both the offensive and defensive ends.

Freshman Dakota Pierce takes it to the hoop over Harvard's Jonah Travis

"We played a really good and well-coached team," Head Coach Larry Anderson said after the exhibition. "It provided us with the opportunity to measure where we are as individuals and, more importantly, where we are as a team."

"I like where we are at right now even though we understand that we have a lot to do."

The Engineers tip off the 2013-2014 season on Friday vs. Lesley University at Rockwell Cage.

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