With Spingfield (8-3 NEWMAC) winning tonight and MIT (9-2 NEWMAC) losing, the game between the two teams in Springfield this Saturday will be for a share of the regular season NEWMAC crown. However, if there is a tie, there are several tiebreaking scenarios that could lead to MIT or Springfield being awarded the right to host the NEWMAC tourney February 28-29. Below is the list of scenarios that could play out next weekend, and who would host in each case. In general, MIT controls their own destiny, but Springfield needs help from other teams to host.
Scenario 1:
MIT beats Springfield
Result: MIT is 10-2 and Springfield is 8-4. MIT hosts.
Scenario 2:
Springfield beats MIT
WPI beats Clark
Result: MIT and Springfield are tied at 9-3. The head-to-head between the two is also tied at 1-1. The next tiebreaker is record against the 3rd ranked team in the conference, which in this case would be WPI at 7-5. Since MIT is 2-0 against WPI and Springfield split with them (1-1), MIT would hold this tiebreaker. MIT hosts.
Scenario 3:
Springfield beats MIT
Clark beats WPI
Wheaton beats CGA
Result: MIT and Springfield are tied at 9-3. The head-to-head between the two is also tied at 1-1. The next tiebreaker is record against the 3rd ranked team in the conference. However, in this case, Wheaton and WPI would be 6-6 in conference, tied for 3rd place. Since ties are broken top to bottom, the tiebreaker would go to the team with the best combined record against WPI and Wheaton. MIT would be 2-0 vs. WPI and 0-2 vs. Wheaton, while Springfield would be 1-1 against WPI and 2-0 against Wheaton. Therefore, in this case, Springfield would win the tiebreaker 3-1, vs. 2-2 for MIT. Springfield hosts.
In summary, MIT will host if they beat Springfield on Saturday, or if WPI or CGA win. Springfield needs all three games to go their way on Saturday to host the NEWMAC tourney.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
MIT Again Drops Close Decision to Wheaton
For the second time this season, MIT lost a close game in the final minute to Wheaton in NEWMAC conference action tonight. The loss drops MIT to 21-3 overall, and 9-2 in the NEWMAC. Wheaton won behind a blistering shooting performance, as they were 10-16 on the game from 3, as well as 24-27 from the FT line. MIT was only 8-31 from 3 and attempted just 8 FTs, making 5.
The game starting out with Wheaton in control, storming out to a 14-6 lead in the first 5 minutes of the game. MIT would respond, going on a 23-3 run over an 8 minute span, to take over the lead and push it to 12 with 7 minutes remaining in the first half. Wheaton would end the half on a short spurt to cut the halftime lead to 6, with MIT leading 34-28.
The second half started much like the first, as MIT came out slumbering. They would not score in the first 4 minutes, as Wheaton mounted a 13-0 run to start the half to go up 41-34. Wheaton would never relinquish that lead, building it to as many as 11 points with 5 minutes remaining in the half. MIT made one last push, going on a 19-10 run over the next 4.5 minutes to cut the lead to 2 with 36 seconds remainig. Wheaton would shut the door, however, making their FTs to close out the game. The final score was 84-77.
MIT endured one of their worst shooting games of the season, going 32-82 from the field (39%) and 8-31 from 3 (26%). Noel Hollingsworth and Eric Zuk both fouled out for MIT. Mitchel Kates paced MIT with 24 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Noel Hollingsworth had his 12th double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds, also adding 3 steals. Jimmy Burke chipped in with 15 points.
MIT next travels to Springfield on Saturday to play a game that could be for the NEWMAC regular-season championship. More to come later on tie-breaking scenarios on Tech Hoops, so check back.
Official MIT Release
The game starting out with Wheaton in control, storming out to a 14-6 lead in the first 5 minutes of the game. MIT would respond, going on a 23-3 run over an 8 minute span, to take over the lead and push it to 12 with 7 minutes remaining in the first half. Wheaton would end the half on a short spurt to cut the halftime lead to 6, with MIT leading 34-28.
The second half started much like the first, as MIT came out slumbering. They would not score in the first 4 minutes, as Wheaton mounted a 13-0 run to start the half to go up 41-34. Wheaton would never relinquish that lead, building it to as many as 11 points with 5 minutes remaining in the half. MIT made one last push, going on a 19-10 run over the next 4.5 minutes to cut the lead to 2 with 36 seconds remainig. Wheaton would shut the door, however, making their FTs to close out the game. The final score was 84-77.
MIT endured one of their worst shooting games of the season, going 32-82 from the field (39%) and 8-31 from 3 (26%). Noel Hollingsworth and Eric Zuk both fouled out for MIT. Mitchel Kates paced MIT with 24 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. Noel Hollingsworth had his 12th double-double of the season with 21 points and 11 rebounds, also adding 3 steals. Jimmy Burke chipped in with 15 points.
MIT next travels to Springfield on Saturday to play a game that could be for the NEWMAC regular-season championship. More to come later on tie-breaking scenarios on Tech Hoops, so check back.
Official MIT Release
MIT Again #2 in Northeast NCAA Rankings
The third of four in-season regional rankings were released today by the NCAA, and MIT again held onto its #2 ranking in the Northeast region, only trailing regionally undefeated Williams. MIT is still undefeated against regionally ranked opponents, defeating WPI (#10) twice and Gordon (#9) earlier in the season. Full rankings can be found here: NCAA Release.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Engineers Eye Historic Win Against Wheaton
Nationally-ranked No. 11 MIT will be in an unfamiliar place when it travels to Wheaton on Wednesday, and not because most the team has never visited Norton. The Engineers will be seeking retribution against the only opponent that has derailed its otherwise perfect ledger against Division III competition. On Jan. 23, the Cardinal and Gray suffered its only home loss as the Lyons rode a blistering perimiter attack, and a clutch finish, to a 60-57 victory. MIT has won five straight games since the setback, and can clinch its first outright regular-season league crown with a payback win in Emerson Gymnasium.
Statistically, the game is a mismatch, as MIT leads the NEWMAC in scoring defense while Wheaton has been the most generous defensive unit in the league by a wide margin (72.6 ppg). The Lyons also pace the league in turnovers and are saddled with the conference's worst assist-turnover ratio. While the Engineers have been the top rebounding team in the NEWMAC, Wheaton is also at the conference basement in offensive rebounds, and only Ben Stehle (6.6) averages more than four boards per game.
Despite the obvious discrepencies on paper, most insiders understand that Wheaton has the talent to play with anyone. A sexy pick in the offseason to be one of the NEWMAC's strongest teams, the Lyons have been riddled with injuries and inconsistent play. Although Wheaton is 8-14 on the season, it has three victories over regionally-ranked teams (MIT, WPI, and Bridgewater State). Anthony Copolla is the team's top offensive threat, although his offensive production has dropped every season since a blistering rookie year. Copolla is still fourth in the league in scoring (17.3 ppg), while he and teammate Jaxon Leo are viable threats from beyond the arc.
The key match-up in Wednesday's game will be the point guard battle between MIT's sensational rookie Mitchell Kates and Wheaton sophomore Brendan Degnan. Although Kates' explosiveness had been slowed by an injury a few games prior, Degnan delivered the superior game in the teams' first meeting by routinely breaking down the Engineers' defense with outstanding penetration. Degnan, who isn't much of a threat from the outside (28% on the year), also managed to knock down all three of his outside attempts, and scored eight straight points in the final two minutes to clinch the surprising win in Rockwell Cage.
To secure their first regular-season sweep over MIT since 2003-04, the Lyons will need another hot performance from the floor. They will also need to replicate their success in keeping MIT's offense off balance. Tech sophomore Noel Hollingsworth, who is incredibly proficient in the post, endured his worst game of the season and finished 3-of-13 from the field. In addition, the Engineers had their worst three-point shooting performance of the season, hitting just 4-of-20 attempts. With Hollingsworth averaging 20.8 ppg since, and MIT averaging a league-best 7.5 three's per game, MIT should feel confident in its quest for the single-season program record for wins.
Statistically, the game is a mismatch, as MIT leads the NEWMAC in scoring defense while Wheaton has been the most generous defensive unit in the league by a wide margin (72.6 ppg). The Lyons also pace the league in turnovers and are saddled with the conference's worst assist-turnover ratio. While the Engineers have been the top rebounding team in the NEWMAC, Wheaton is also at the conference basement in offensive rebounds, and only Ben Stehle (6.6) averages more than four boards per game.
Despite the obvious discrepencies on paper, most insiders understand that Wheaton has the talent to play with anyone. A sexy pick in the offseason to be one of the NEWMAC's strongest teams, the Lyons have been riddled with injuries and inconsistent play. Although Wheaton is 8-14 on the season, it has three victories over regionally-ranked teams (MIT, WPI, and Bridgewater State). Anthony Copolla is the team's top offensive threat, although his offensive production has dropped every season since a blistering rookie year. Copolla is still fourth in the league in scoring (17.3 ppg), while he and teammate Jaxon Leo are viable threats from beyond the arc.
The key match-up in Wednesday's game will be the point guard battle between MIT's sensational rookie Mitchell Kates and Wheaton sophomore Brendan Degnan. Although Kates' explosiveness had been slowed by an injury a few games prior, Degnan delivered the superior game in the teams' first meeting by routinely breaking down the Engineers' defense with outstanding penetration. Degnan, who isn't much of a threat from the outside (28% on the year), also managed to knock down all three of his outside attempts, and scored eight straight points in the final two minutes to clinch the surprising win in Rockwell Cage.
To secure their first regular-season sweep over MIT since 2003-04, the Lyons will need another hot performance from the floor. They will also need to replicate their success in keeping MIT's offense off balance. Tech sophomore Noel Hollingsworth, who is incredibly proficient in the post, endured his worst game of the season and finished 3-of-13 from the field. In addition, the Engineers had their worst three-point shooting performance of the season, hitting just 4-of-20 attempts. With Hollingsworth averaging 20.8 ppg since, and MIT averaging a league-best 7.5 three's per game, MIT should feel confident in its quest for the single-season program record for wins.
Statistically Speaking
This is how MIT stacks up statistically in the NEWMAC and against other NCAA DIII teams across the country. Stats are for games through 2/14/2010. Only statistics in which MIT is top 2 in the NEWMAC as a team and top 10 in individual categories are listed.
Team Stats
Individual Stats
Team Stats
| Statistic | Value | NEWMAC | NCAA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scoring Defense | 57.6 | 1 | 6 |
| Rebounding Margin | +7.8 | 1 | 13 |
| Scoring Margin | +13.4 | 1 | 14 |
| 3FG% Defense | 29.7 | 1 | 34 |
| FG% | 47.2 | 1 | 50 |
| 3FGM | 7.43 | 1 | 63 |
| Assists | 14.65 | 1 | 86 |
| FG% Defense | 39.7 | 2 | 25 |
| 3FG% | 35.3 | 2 | 114 |
| Scoring Offense | 71.0 | 2 | 202 |
Individual Stats
| Player | Statistic | Value | NEWMAC | NCAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noel Hollingsworth | Scoring | 20.3 | 1 | 42 |
| FG% | 58.7 | 1 | 43 | |
| Rebounds | 8.7 | 1 | 78 | |
| Blocks | 1.57 | 3 | 69 | |
| Mitchell Kates | Steals | 2.17 | 1 | 71 |
| Assists | 4.00 | 1 | 110 | |
| FG% | 50.7 | 6 | ||
| A/TO | 1.15 | 8 | 244 | |
| Scoring | 13.1 | 8 | ||
| FT% | 69.6 | 8 | ||
| Jimmy Burke | 3FGM | 2.36 | 1 | 107 |
| 3FG% | 41.6 | 2 | ||
| Will Tashman | FG% | 55.8 | 2 | |
| Rebounds | 7.0 | 5 | 217 | |
| Billy Johnson | 3FGM | 1.57 | 6 | 420 |
| Blockss | 0.61 | 9 | 483 | |
| Billy Bender | Rebounds | 5.4 | 9 |
Monday, February 15, 2010
MIT Remains at #11 in D3hoops.com Rankings
In the new D3hoops.com poll released today, MIT held onto to its #11 ranking after a 2-0 week. Although MIT's record was unblemished this week, a lack of upsets in the top 10 gave them no chance to move up. MIT is now 21-2 overall, 20-1 in DIII, and 9-1 in the NEWMAC.Full D3hoops.com Rankings Here
MIT wraps up the regular season this week as they travel to Wheaton on Wednesday with the hopes of avenging their only DIII loss of the season. Then on Saturday, MIT makes the trip to Springfield to take on the Pride in a game that could have serious NEWMAC implications. Check back to Tech Hoops for game previews and additional coverage.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
MIT Races Past CGA on Senior Day
Playing for the two seniors on this year's squad, MIT played inspired basketball out of the gate this afternoon. The Engineers jumped out to a 25-4 lead in the first 10 minutes of the contest, behind strong play from 5th-year senior Billy Johnson. Coast Guard would not give up, continuing to battle for the whole game, but the MIT lead never dwindled below double-figures as MIT secured their 9th conference win of the season. The win marks the most MIT has ever had in one season in regular-season NEWMAC play and also ties the Institute record of 21 wins in a season, set in the 2005-2006 season and equalled last year. MIT improves to 21-2 overall and 19-1 in DIII action.There were many strong individual performances for MIT, as center Noel Hollingsworth scored 17 points, including 4-6 from three-point land, and had 8 rebounds. Will Tashman was also exceptional for MIT today, scoring 13 points, hauling in 11 boards, and dishing out 4 assists. The day, however, belonged to the seniors. Patrick Sissman continued his solid season as back-up point guard, securing two boards and dishing out an assist, while Billy Johnson went for 13 points and three rebounds. With today's effort, Johnson is now 21st on the all-time MIT scoring list. Johnson now has 88 wins for his career, the most for any player in school history (counting the medical red-shirt season in which he played only 6 games).
The official release for today's game can be found here: MIT Release.
MIT continues league action next Wednesday as they travel to Wheaton to try to avenge their only DIII loss of the season. The tip is set for 5:30 PM. Vist back to Tech Hoops next week for the game preview.
Senior Day Profile: Patrick Sissman
Patrick Sissman enters his final regular-season game at Rockwell Cage as the epitomy of the true MIT student-athlete. A relentless worker both on and off the court, Sissman has worked hard through his four years helping to bring the program to where it is now. His contributions to the team go far beyond the stats he has put up, as he can regularly be found sharing his knowledge of the game with the younger guards on the team, and has been instrumental in the team's success in recent years.Patrick Sissman hails from the Baltimore, Maryland area and entered MIT in the 2006 season. In that year, MIT was in rebuilding mode after losing seven seniors the previous season and Sissman was one of the players that stepped up to carry the team. In his freshman year, he averaged 24 minutes per game, including six starts. He would have one of the best games of his career against WPI on February 24, 2007, scoring 10 points (a career-high) on 4-7 shooting, with 4 assists and 3 steals. He had several big games statistically for the Engineers that season. In his sophomore season, Sissman played exceptionally in his role as back-up point guard, giving MIT strong minutes with great defensive intensity. As a junior, Sissman would set a career high with 7 assists on November 25, 2008 versus Curry. He followed that up later in the season with a 6 assist and 0 turnover performance against UMass-Boston on February 2, 2009. Entering his senior season, Sissman has been elected captain for the Engineers. He has been instrumental in tutoring the crop of talented young guards on the squad and getting them up to speed with the college game. To date, he has scored 120 career points, has 154 assists, and has grabbed 138 rebounds in 96 career appearances.
Coach Larry Anderson on Sissman:
“Patrick represents the true MIT student-athlete. Patrick, who has lettered all four years he has played, is one of true leaders of this team and has been one of the most dedicated and intelligent players I have ever coached. We appreciate the service he has given this basketball program on the court, classroom, and in the community. People don’t understand how great a person he is and that he will really be missed by our team and the MIT community as a whole. Patrick has been unwavering in his commitment to the MIT basketball program. Without his leadership we would not be where we are right now.”
Senior Day Profile: Billy Johnson
In coming back for his final year of eligibility, 5th-year senior Billy Johnson has secured his position in the history of MIT basketball. Johnson will leave the program as the all-time wins leader as a player in MIT basketball history. Including this season, Johnson has been a part of three 20 win seasons. As a freshman out of Kamiak High School in Everett, Washington, Willard "Billy" Johnson entered as a part of the prized 2005 MIT recruiting class that included other future stars such as Bradley Gampel and Jimmy Bartolotta. Although the team that year was heavily senior dominated, Johnson still managed 13 starts in 23 appearances. The future looked bright for Johnson, but an injury six games into his sophomore season kept him out the rest of the year. As a junior, Johnson started all 24 games he appeared in, averaging 10 points per game and 5 rebounds per game. He had one of his biggest performances on opening day of that season, scoring 26 points and hauling in 7 rebounds against Western Connecticut. Entering his true senior season, Johnson entered a completely different player than three years prior, having added many pounds in muscle and polishing his all-around game. This paid off on the court as he would set career marks in every category, starting all 26 games he appeared in, averaging 17 ppg and 6 rpg. That season, he set career highs in points, scoring 40 in last year's senior day against Clark, and rebounds, with 14 against Springfield on February 4, 2009. He was named 2nd-team All-NEWMAC last season for his efforts. Now returning for his second senior season, Johnson has played an instrumental role in shaping the young group of talented newcomers this year. He currently sits at 1000 career points and 460 career rebounds.
Coach Larry Anderson on Johnson:
“Bill, as a 5th senior, has been the ultimate champion for this team. Whether it is hosting recruits or scoring 40 points on the court. He has been a consummate leader for this team for five years and really leads by example. From day one when Bill stepped on this campus at 6’8” you knew he was a basketball player, but his commitment to changing the stereotype of MIT basketball players and MIT athletes as a whole has been relentless. I can’t put into words what Bill has meant to this program. Coming back for a 5th year has really helped the continuity of our program and you can really see the results on the court in how the young players are responding to his, and the other captains’, leadership.“
Friday, February 12, 2010
80 Battles and Counting for MIT-Coast Guard
Navigating through the most successful regular season in team history has been anything but easy for nationally-ranked No. 11 MIT. After staving off an inspired upset bid by Clark University on Thursday, the Engineers (20-2, 8-1 NEWMAC) have become fully aware that the burden of being in first place means having to take the opposition's best punch every time out. Things aren't expected to be decidedly easier when MIT wraps up the home portion of its regular-season slate on Saturday against Coast Guard.
The Bears (7-13, 4-6) have lost three consecutive games, and have struggled since opening conference play with a surprising 2-1 start. Coast Guard has been hampered by an inconsistent offense (league-low 62.2 ppg), but has the ability to pull off the road win behind a consistently strong commitment on the defensive end and big games from its key players. The play of Jevon James usually figures prominently into the success of the Bears. Averaging 12.3 points and eight rebounds per game, James ranks fourth in the league in field goal percentage (53%). Other players to watch include defensive stalwart and floor general Eric Hudson, long-range shooters Stefan Lewis and Adam Radtke, and rookie forward Greg Marshall.
The keys for MIT begin with its tremendous half-court defense and unselfish play on the attack. The Engineers pass the ball well, and demonstrate remarkable patience staying in its offense. Earlier this season in New London, Conn., Noel Hollingsworth proved to be a match-up nightmare for Coast Guard, as did 6'8" senior wing Billy Johnson.
On Saturday, the team's will meet for the 80th time since 1947 and a victory by MIT would knot the all-time series at 40 a piece. The 39 victories against the Bears already stands as the most wins by MIT over a single opponent.
The Bears (7-13, 4-6) have lost three consecutive games, and have struggled since opening conference play with a surprising 2-1 start. Coast Guard has been hampered by an inconsistent offense (league-low 62.2 ppg), but has the ability to pull off the road win behind a consistently strong commitment on the defensive end and big games from its key players. The play of Jevon James usually figures prominently into the success of the Bears. Averaging 12.3 points and eight rebounds per game, James ranks fourth in the league in field goal percentage (53%). Other players to watch include defensive stalwart and floor general Eric Hudson, long-range shooters Stefan Lewis and Adam Radtke, and rookie forward Greg Marshall.
The keys for MIT begin with its tremendous half-court defense and unselfish play on the attack. The Engineers pass the ball well, and demonstrate remarkable patience staying in its offense. Earlier this season in New London, Conn., Noel Hollingsworth proved to be a match-up nightmare for Coast Guard, as did 6'8" senior wing Billy Johnson.
On Saturday, the team's will meet for the 80th time since 1947 and a victory by MIT would knot the all-time series at 40 a piece. The 39 victories against the Bears already stands as the most wins by MIT over a single opponent.
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