MIT Dismantles Springfield in Season Finale

MIT posted an impressive victory this afternoon over Springfield, 73-43, to claim the second seed in next weekend's NEWMAC tournament. The game was close initially, with MIT trailing 9-10 at the 12 minute mark of the first half. However, over the next 8 minutes MIT would go on a 19-3 run to put the game out of reach, as MIT would lead by double-figures the rest of the afternoon. The second half was more lopsided than the first, as MIT led by as many as 34 en route to the 30 point victory.

The Engineers were led by Billy Bender, who tallied 24 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. Will Tashman put in his usual solid effort, with 13 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, while Jamie Karraker nailed three 3's on his way to 11 points.

The full game recap and boxscore can be found at the official MIT Athletics website.

MIT will face Springfield again next weekend, in the semifinals of the NEWMAC tourney, to be held at WPI. MIT will play in the second semifinal, at 3:00 PM (full bracket can be found here). If they are successful in the semifinals, they will play for an automatic berth to the NCAA tournament on Sunday at 1:00 PM, also to be played at WPI.

MIT Ranked in Week 3 of NCAA Regional Poll

The NCAA has released their third of four weekly regional rankings leading up to the NCAA Division III tournament selection day. Despite a loss, MIT moved up to #9 in the poll as a result of other results in the region.

The full list can be found at D3Hoops.com.

MIT Falls at Home to Wheaton

Despite leading on several occasions throughout the game, MIT was not able to pull out a close game against Wheaton this evening at Rockwell Cage. The game was tied at the half, and at 66-66 with 4:47 remaining in the game, but a 9-0 run near the end of the game sealed it for Wheaton.

Leading the Engineers was Will Tashman with 24 points, 13 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists. Jamie Karraker nailed 5 3's to chip in 15 points and Mitch Kates put in a solid effort with 14 points and 6 assists.

The full game recap and boxscore can found at the official MIT Athletics website.

Despite the loss, MIT secured at least the #3 spot in the NEWMAC tournament, and a first round bye, by virtue of Babson's loss this evening. Also, regardless of the outcome of the Springfield/WPI matchup tonight, the season finale next Satuday, February 19, between MIT and Springfield will decide the #2 seed for the tournament (MIT would hold the tiebreaker if they win the game, as they already won the first matchup between the two teams this season). That matchup will also be MIT's senior day, and include other events due to MIT's biannual alumni celebration. At halftime of the game, all captain's past and present will be honored as a part of the celebration honoring 110 years of basketball at MIT (and MIT 150). Tip is set for 3:00 PM.

MIT in the News: Daniel McCue

Image Courtesy of Dawn Anderson
Since being MIT's rookie of the year in the 2007-08 season, Daniel McCue has suffered numerous surgeries and other setbacks in his return to the basketball court. However, after two seasons watching from the sidelines, McCue has returned to the MIT squad this season to help them to their current 16-7 mark. Read more about McCue's story in this article from MBR.org:

Against All Odds, McCue Plays On

Flat Finish Dooms MIT

MIT fell this afternoon, 62-53, in a closely-contested matchup against Coast Guard. Despite leading much of the 2nd half, a cold finish to the game was too much for the Engineers to overcome.

Leading MIT was Will Tashman with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.

Full game recap and boxscore can be found at the official MIT Athletics website.

Despite the loss, MIT remains tied for 2nd place in the NEWMAC after Springfield lost at home to Clark. MIT next hosts Wheaton at home, on Wednesday, February 16 at 6:00 PM, before closing out the regular season at home against Springfield one week from today.

MIT Ranked in Week 2 of NCAA Regional Poll

The NCAA has released their second of four weekly regional rankings leading up to the NCAA Division III tournament selection day. MIT broke into the polls this week, checking in at #11 in the northeast.

The full list can be found at D3Hoops.com.

Late MIT Rally Silences Clark

MIT used a late second half run to win by a comfortable margin over Clark this evening in Worcester, 69=58. Despite leading most of the game, MIT found themselves tied at 44 all with just over 5 1/2 minutes to play in the contest. However, they would mount a 22-6 run over the next 4:22 to put away the game.

Leading MIT was point guard Mitchell Kates, who scored 21 points, dished out 5 assists, and had 4 steals. Joining Kates in double figures were Jamie Karraker and Will Tashman, who scored 17 and 16, respectively. Karraker made 5 three pointers and Tashman added 7 rebounds. Also putting in a solid efforts were Will Dickson, who had 9 points and 7 boards, and Billy Bender who had a team high 9 rebounds in just 16 minutes of action.

Full game recap and boxscore can be found at the Official MIT Athletics website.

With the win, MIT pulls into a tie with Springfield College for 2nd in the NEWMAC, although MIT currently holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Engineers next travel to Coast Guard for their last road game of the season. Game is set for Saturday, February 12, at 1:00 PM.

MIT Edges Babson, Remains 2nd in NEWMAC

Images Courtesy of Tom Gearty

A balanced scoring effort was enough for MIT to edge out a NEWMAC victory this evening in Babson Park, 63-60. In addition to the usual suspects of Will Tashman (18 points, 8 rebounds), Mitch Kates (11 points, 8 assists), and Jamie Karraker (6 points, 2-2 3FG), MIT received solid contributions from freshmen Will Dickson (10 points) and Nick Davis (7 points), in addition to junior swingman Billy Bender (9 points).

The game was close throughout most of the first half, until a 16-6 MIT run over the final 6:18 gave the Engineers a 10 point lead at intermission. Behind strong play from Dickson and Kates, MIT pushed the lead to 16 with just under 13.5 minutes remaining in the game. Babson would not be discouraged, however, as they systematically chipped away at the lead, cutting it to as little as 2 points in the final minute. On the last possession of the game, MIT was able to preserve the victory with a strong defensive possession, forcing Babson into an errant three-point attempt.

A full game writeup can be found on the official MIT Athletics website.

MIT has this Saturday off, but travels next Wednesday to face Clark in a 7:00 PM contest. With just 4 games remaining in the regular season, MIT is in the drivers seat for the #2 seed in the NEWMAC tourney. The Engineers are currently tied with Springfield for second in the league, with a 5-3 mark, but currently hold the tiebreaker due to their head-to-head victory.

MIT Drops Close Contest to WPI

Despite a strong effort, MIT came up short this afternoon against a formidable WPI aquad, the #14 ranked team in the country. With MIT leading 40-37 with 11 minutes to play in the contest, WPI went on an 18-5 run over the next 8 minutes to put the game away. Poor offensive production down the stretch, and for the game overall, were MIT's undoing. MIT was led by Mitch Kates, who scored 17 points and had 4 assists. With the loss, MIT drops to 14-6 (4-3 NEWMAC) and into a three-way tie for 2nd place in the conference.

Full story can be found at the official MIT Athletics website.

MIT next plays at Babson, on Wednesday, February 2nd, as they try to avenge an earlier home loss to the Beavers. Live stats for the game can be found here. Video of the game can be found here.

Super Sophs Carry MIT over Coast Guard

Images Courtesy of Tom Gearty
After a close first half, a strong effort by MIT's three starting sophomores propelled the Engineers to victory this evening over the United States Coast Guard Academy. MIT was led in scoring by sophomore point guard Mitchell Kates, who poured in 27 points on 9-14 shooting (3-5 from 3), adding 6 assists and only 1 turnover. Also excelling was sophomore forward Will Tashman, who scored 26 points on 10-13 from the field, while grabbing 11 rebounds. The sophomore trifecta was rounded out by Jamie Karraker, who finished the evening with an uber-efficient 6-8 shooting performance, including 5-6 from 3, on his way to 17 points. Billy Bender played strong off the bench for the Engineers, contributing 11 points (3-4 FGs), 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. As a team, MIT shot an astounding 60% from the field, including 60% from 3 (9-15), in addition to being nearly perfect at the free throw line (16-17). MIT also controlled the boards, limiting the USCGA to just 18 rebounds on the evening, for a +12 margin.

The game boxscore and full story can be found at the official MIT Athletics website.

With the win, MIT pulls into sole posession of 2nd place in the NEWMAC, trailing only WPI. Therefore, the matchup this Saturday at Rockwell cage has added significance for both teams. MIT will look to draw within just a game of WPI in the NEWMAC standings, and split the season series, while WPI will look to all but seal up the NEWMAC regular season crown. Tip is set for 3:00 PM.