MIT put on an impressive offensive and defensive display Saturday afternoon in the NEWMAC semifinals, taking down #1 seed WPI 64-46 to earn a spot in the Championship game. MIT shot a sizzling 70% from three and 56% from the floor. The Engineers of Cambridge also got it done on the defensive end, holding WPI to just 30% shooting and out-rebounding their opponents 36-24.
MIT's offensive attack was extremely balanced, with stellar play both inside and out. 6'6" sharp-shooter Justin Pedley led the way with 16 points, including three three's from NBA range. Sophomore point guard Ryan Frankel had three threes of his own on his way to 15 points and 3 assists. 6'8" Matt Redfield, an All-Conference selection last season, put in 14 points and 14 rebounds for the double-double as well as 2 blocks (he is now 2 shy of becoming MIT's all-time leader in blocks). 6'8" co-captains Dennis Levene and Andrew Acker added a combined 18 points and 11 rebounds to round out the attack.
MIT will play the winner of the Springfield/Babson Semifinal game at 1pm tomorrow at WPI. The winner will claim the NEWMAC crown and an automatic bid into the "Little Dance", the NCAA national tournament.
