Engineers Stand Alone Atop NEWMAC, Break Single-Season Wins Mark

MIT gritted out their 10th NEWMAC victory of the season, beating Springfield College on the road this afternoon, 66-62. Pacing MIT today was fifth-year senior Billy Johnson, who had a season high 20 points, including a clutch 5-6 at the FT line in the final minute. Johnson said after the game, "Personally, I haven't been in a good shooting rhythm the past couple of games, so hitting those free throws at the end was something I owed to the team." Also playing solid games for MIT were Noel Hollingsworth, who had 15 points, a career-high 15 rebounds, and 3 assists, and Mitchell Kates with 7 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Jimmy Burke also chipped in with 15 points, while Will Tashman added 6 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.

The first half was highly contested. MIT jumped out to an early 8-2 lead, but that was the biggest lead they would have the rest of the half, as the game turned into a defensive slugfest at both ends of the floor. MIT never trailed in the half, but only took a 2 point lead into the break, 28-26.

The beginning of the second half was all Springfield, as they came out of the gates with an 8-0 run over the first 2 minutes of play. The six-point advantage would be the largest lead they would hold, as MIT eliminatged it quickly and regained the lead with more than 15 minutes remaining in the game. MIT would maintain at least a two posession lead over the next 11 minutes, until a Springfield 3 with just over 4 minutes to play cut the lead to 3. MIT answered, though, mainly behind its strong defense. Springfield would score only 1 point over the next 3 minutes as MIT grew its lead to 9 at 58-49, with 1:23 to play. MIT would increase the lead to 10, but Springfield refused to quit, making a flurry of 3s in the final minute to bring the game to within 3 points with 10 seconds to play. However, a free throw by Billy Johnson, followed by a steal by Mitchell Kates sealed the win for MIT.

After the game, Johnson commented on the win and this year's team:

"Most importantly, I realized today that our basketball program is at a different level. It isn't the 22 wins or the regular season championship, but our team's reaction to everything. There was no jumping up and down, no huge celebration; being successful has become the baseline for our program. We set our goals at the beginning of the season, and until we accomplish those goals, and until we play the way we know we can, we will be grateful for what we've already accomplished, but we won't be satisfied."

MIT finishes the regular season at 22-3, 21-2 in Division III, and 10-2 in the NEWMAC. The 22 wins overall and the 10 wins in the NEWMAC are both records for any MIT team in the 110-year history of the program. With the win, MIT earns itself a first-round bye in the NEWMAC tournament and hosting rights for the semifinal and final rounds. They will host the winner of the #4/#5 matchup next Saturday in Rockwell Cage.

Official MIT Release

MIT Controls Own Destiny in Finale at Springfield

No. 11 nationally-ranked MIT can clinch its first regular-season NEWMAC title and hosting rights as the top seed in the conference tournament with a victory over Springfield College on Saturday. The Pride, meanwhile, can force a tie by holding home court. Springfield would need other additional scenarios in the other league games to earn the NEWMAC's top seed, but the picture is less messy if MIT can take out the Pride and collect a program-record 22nd win.

Springfield (13-11, 8-3 NEWMAC) has won six of seven and has lost only once at home since the beginning of December. Leading scorer Matt Cavalieri was out of action in the Pride's loss at Clark last Saturday, but he returned to lead a dominating win at WPI on Wednesday. Cavalieri scored 20 points, including 4-of-4 from three, to pace a 70-50 victory over the defending regular-season champs. Ryan Coburn added 15 points, and Pat Crean filled the stat sheet with 11 points, six rebounds, six assists, and four steals for a Springfield team that has shrugged off a miserable 2-8 start and now appears to be running on all cylinders.

MIT (21-3, 9-2) dropped its second league date to Wheaton on Wednesday, snapping a five-game winning streak and putting intrigue back into the conference race. The Engineers trailed by 13 with 6:30 left in regulation, but cut the deficit to two with 36 seconds left following a brilliant three-point play by Noel Hollingsworth. Unfortunately, the Lyons were nearly perfect at the charity stripe as they held on for their fourth win of the year over a regionally-ranked opponent.

In the season's previous meeting between MIT and Springfield, the Engineers used a 13-3 run midway through the second half to pull away en route to a 67-56 victory at Rockwell Cage. Hollingsworth registered a game-best 25 points and 10 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting to pace the MIT attack, while Will Tashman (12 pts, 9 reb) also delivered a strong game. MIT led by as many as 12 points in the first half, while Springfield stormed back to take the lead six minutes into the second frame.

Cavalieri, who is fifth in the NEWMAC in scoring, has been the Pride's leading scorer in their past four home games while averaging 21.5 ppg. Senior Pat Crean has been just as effective and will be a difficult match-up for the Cardinal and Gray. In the teams' first meeting Crean had a team-best 17 points with most of his damage coming at the foul line.

The keys for MIT on Saturday include keeping the Pride out of the lane (dribble penetration cost the Engineers against Wheaton and Springfield was 15-of-23 from the line in the first meeting) while forcing Springfield to take tough shots from the outside where they are a league-low 27% on the season. The battle for the regular-season crown will feature the top two defensive teams in the NEWMAC, although MIT also leads the conference in field goal percentage (47%) and will look to be efficient in its offensive sets to keep the Pride at bay.

The Mitchell Kates Factor

It's been a remarkable year for the MIT men's basketball program. Little was expected of the team entering the 2009-10 campaign. Although the team celebrated its first conference title and NCAA appearance, the loss of starting point guard Bradley Gampel and D3Hoops National Player of the Year Jimmy Bartolotta chased away any thoughts that MIT could come anywhere near replicating last season's success. However, as the Engineers prepare for their final game of the regular season, MIT has managed to assemble the winningest season in 109 years, and is gunning for its first regular-season conference title when it travels to Springfield on Saturday. Four new faces have paved the way for the Engineers' success. Will Tashman, who may have the best long-term potential, has been solid at both ends, Jimmy Burke has been one of the league's top threats on the perimiter, and Noel Hollingsworth's incredible work ethic and deft touch around the basket have been instrumental in guiding MIT through unchartered waters. But make no mistake, MIT has been one of the best teams in Division III all season primarily because there has never been another Mitchell Kates.

Point guard is the most important position in basketball. Not because the best players always play at that spot, but because the position is so specialized. The PG is responsible for running a team's offense, controlling the ball, and making sure the right players get the right touches at the right time. Across every level of play, championship teams nearly always benefit from great play at the point. Such has been the case for an overachieving MIT squad.

"I feel that I thrive in transition and in the open court," said Kates. "As a point guard, I understand the strengths and weaknesses of my teammates and try to put them in positions where they can be successful. I try to be the link between the coaching staff and my team on the floor."

It's highly unusual for a young player to understand their role so early into their college career, especially when considering the difficult transition high school players need to make in terms of physicality and speed of the game. But Mitch's proven ability is also why head coach Larry Anderson has remarked that Mitch may be the most college-ready freshman the coach has ever had.

"It's hard to describe what Mitch means to our basketball team," noted Anderson. "He keeps us under control. He is completely unselfish with the basketball, and he has unique athletic gifts that make him a very special player for us."

Although Mitch is averaging over 13 points per game and is leading the NEWMAC in assists and steals, his numbers don't necessarily relay his value. He began his career by picking up MVP honors at the Resselaer Tip-Off Tournament (he scored a game-best 22 in a one-point win over RPI); scored a career-high 28 and added an Institute record eight steals in a win against Curry; clinched an overtime win against Gordon with a driving lay-up; scored on three straight possessions in overtime to lift MIT past Salem State; and added a team-best 14 as he comfortably held his own against Harvard. Earlier in the season at Clark, with the team trailing by 14 late in the first half, Kates scored the last six points of the period, before MIT finished the rally after intermission. Even in Wednesday's loss at Wheaton, Kates was arguably the best player on the floor as he dished out eight assists, while adding six rebounds, two steals, and a game-high 24 points to lead a ferocious comeback that unfortunately fell just short. His confidence in his teammates as well as his own abilities is palpable, but what may be even more impressive is his understanding of the game and what it will take to lead MIT to heights never before achieved.

"Our team is capable of accomplishing anything," added Kates. "I see no reason why we can’t set our goals at a national championship, but we need to make big strides between now and then to even consider such a lofty goal. Our team struggles to bring great intensity to every play, every game. In order to win big games in the playoffs, we will need to bring more energy throughout the course of the game and execute better in the half court both offensively and defensively as well as in transition."

Kates is a basketball player mature beyond his years, but he's also quick to point out the luxury of having a dominant big man like Hollingsworth, and shooters like Burke and Billy Johnson who can fill it up. And beyond the talent, he recognizes the benefit of having teammates that all enjoy playing together.

"I am lucky to be part of a great recruiting class, so I will get to develop a great relationship with my teammates over the next couple of years. I feel that the closer you grow with your teammates outside of basketball, the easier it becomes to communicate with them on the court."

If nothing else, Kates understands his role, and that much of the team's success hinges on him doing the right things. MIT will experience success and defeat as a team, but if MIT is still playing basketball in March, don't be surprised if Kates is the factor that propels this group over the top.

Tiebreaking Scenarios for NEWMAC Championship Hosting

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.

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

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.

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 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

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

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.

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.