MIT Downs Salem State at Home

Box Score

The MIT Engineers were short-handed at the end of the game, but were able to squeak out a 61-57 win versus Salem State tonight at Rockwell Cage. MIT's leading scorer Matt Redfield had to leave the game midway through the first half, and Junior captain Dennis Levene fouled out with 6 minutes left in the contest, but MIT was able to prevail with their 6th win of the season with solid play from the rest of the team.

In 12 minutes of action, 6'8" Redfield tallied 6 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, and a reverse dunk. Fellow 6'8" big-man Andrew Acker led the rest of the way, registering 15 points with 11 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 9-of-10 from the free-throw line. 6'6" Sophomore Justin Pedley was a perfect 7-for-7 from the line for 15 points as well. 

6'6" Sophomore Russell Johnson provided a spark off the bench, connecting on three three-pointers in a crucial three-minute stretch, while 6'8" Dennis Levene added 7 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block before fouling out. 

MIT moves to 6-2 on the season and will face Newbury College on Monday at 6pm. 

Game Preview: MIT vs. Salem State University

MIT vs. Salem State University
Thursday, Rockwell Cage, 7pm

Live Stats | Video

Probable Starters:

MIT (5-2)	Ht.	PPG	RPG		Salem State (3-2)	Ht.	PPG	RPG
Matt Redfield	6'8"	15.0	10.7		Chris Parenteau	6'9"	6.8	5.6
Andrew Acker	6'8"	10.0	8.4		Hamed Akanni	6'3"	13.0	7.4
Dennis Levene	6'8"	4.2	4.0		Andrew White	6'2"	11.2	3.6
Justin Pedley	6'6"	14.3	1.3		Anthony Hodges	5'11"	9.4	3.4
Paul Dawson	5'10"	5.9	5.7 apg		Bryan Ortiz	5'11"	17.4	3.0 apg

A Look at Salem State:
Salem State is a storied program with 20+ wins in five of their last seven seasons, including a number of MASCAC championships and NCAA Tournament appearances. They are currently 3-2 on the season, with their two losses coming to nationally ranked #9 WPI and #10 Williams.

The Vikings are another fast, athletic squad that is looking to capitalize on turnovers and mistakes. They will get out on the break to attack the basket or kick it out for a quick three. They will normally play four guards, all comfortable bringing the ball up the court and attacking. In the half-court they run a 4-out-1-in motion, wasting no time on the clock to penetrate the lane. On defense, the Engineers will most likely be faced with a half-court man.

Tonight the Engineers will be tested again on how well they can handle the ball. With 22 turnovers last game, MIT appears to beat themselves at times. Salem State is a team that will convert points off of these turnovers and ultimately make you pay. With the clear size advantage, MIT must also expect to spend a considerable amount of time at the free-throw line again. MIT's bigs must take advantage of these free opportunities to put points on the board. Finally, MIT's guards must knock down outside shots on the double-downs to the post players, keeping the Vikings' defense honest.

Tune in tonight at half-time to listen to MITHoops.NET's half-time analysis.