Video Interviews: Patrick Sissman and Ben Montgomery

In our second installment of the player video interviews, we focus on the two players on the squad from Maryland: senior captain Patrick Sissman and freshman forward Ben Montgomery. The guys discuss keys to the team's success and Patrick reflects on his career at MIT.

MIT to Face Clark; WPI, Springfield Advance in NEWMAC Tourney

Top-seeded MIT (22-3) will host No. 5-seeded Clark University (14-12) on Saturday, February 27 at 1 p.m. after the Cougars defeated No. 4 Wheaton (10-15), 58-55, at the Lyons' Emerson Gymnasium. As expected, the game was virtually even across every statistical category, but the Cougars held on despite leading by nine with three minutes to play and a poor performance at the charity stripe in the game's final minutes. The Lyons had a chance to tie the game, but Brendan Degnan's buzzer-beating three missed.

In earlier action, No. 3 WPI (19-6) jumped out to an 18-2 start before prevailing, 76-71, against No. 6 Coast Guard. Kyle Nadeau paced four players in double figures with 16 points and seven assists. Fernando Perez added 14 points and 14 rebounds. Coast Guard climbed back into contention behind a phenomenal performance by Greg Marshall, who dropped in a game-best 26 points on 10-of-15 shooting. The Bears finish the season at 7-16.

Worcester's version of the Engineers will face No. 2 Springfield College (14-12) in the second semi-final hosted by MIT on Saturday. It took all 40 minutes for the Pride to shake last-place Babson (10-16). Matt Zoia hit two three's in providing the Beavers with a late push, but led by Ryan Coburn's 9-for-10 effort at the line and game-high 15 points, Springfield advanced, 71-65.

MIT Drops A Spot in Final Regular-Season NCAA NE Region Rankings

The final of four in-season regional rankings were released today by the NCAA, and MIT fell to the #3 ranking in the Northeast region, only trailing Williams and Middlebury.


Full rankings can be found here: NCAA Release.

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 2/21/2010. Only statistics in which MIT is top 2 in the NEWMAC as a team and top 10 in individual categories are listed. Note that the NCAA does not rank all categories that the NEWMAC ranks.

Team Stats

Statistic	Value	NEWMAC	NCAA
Scoring Defense	58.8	1	8
Rebounding Margin	+7.0	1	18
Scoring Margin	+12.2	1	19
3FGM	7.56	1	56
FG%	46.3	1	89
Assists	14.48	1	104
A/TO	0.90	1	170
Rebounding Defense	30.6	1
Scoring Offense	71.0	2	201
FG% Defense/td>	39.8	2	27
3FG% Defense	21.5	2

Individual Stats

Player	Statistic	Value	NEWMAC	NCAA
Noel Hollingsworth	Scoring	20.2	1	42
	FG%	56.9	1	58
	Rebounds	9.1	1	65
	Blocks	1.44	3	93
Mitchell Kates	Steals	2.20	1	62
	Assists	4.24	1	92
	A/TO	1.25	6
	FG%	49.6	7
	Scoring	13.3	8	485
	FT%	69.3	9
Jimmy Burke	3FGM	2.46	1	91
	3FG%	41.3	4
Will Tashman	Rebounds	7.0	4	216
	FG%	55.4	2
Billy Johnson	3FGM	1.64	5	387
Billy Bender	Rebounds	5.3	9
	3FGM	1.21	10

Video Interviews: Billy Johnson and Will Tashman

This is the inaugural edition of our player video interviews. Every day this week, leading up to the NEWMAC tournament hosted by MIT on February 27-28, we will be posting two new player interviews. We will include more video interviews in the coming weeks, and we hope to have every player and coach interviewed at least once before the season is over.

For today's episode, we have senior captain Billy Johnson and freshman forward Will Tashman profiled. Billy talks about the team this year, how the team compares to last year, and why he grew a beard. Will talks about his first year at MIT, why his recruiting class has been so productive so quickly, and reminisces about high school.





Thanks to fellow NEWMAC supporter Mark S. for his input that motivated us to actually get these interviews done!

MIT #13 in the Country in D3Hoops.com Poll

MIT drops to #13 in this week's D3hoops.com poll, after finishing the week 1-1. MIT fell early last week at Wheaton, in a game that was decided in the last minute, followed by an impressive win at Springfield to clinch the outright NEWMAC regular season championship. MIT is now 22-3 overall, 21-2 in DIII, and 10-2 in the NEWMAC, all MIT single-season records.

Full D3hoops.com Rankings Here

MIT will host the semifinal and final rounds of the NEWMAC tournament next weekend, February 27-28. They will host the winner of the Wheaton/Clark matchup at 1:00 PM next Saturday. Check back to MIT Hoops for game previews and additional coverage.

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.