Engineers Come Back to Beat Rhode Island College in OT, 73-68
MIT freshman William E. “Billy” Bender’s legacy as a clutch performer continues to grow. The rookie knocked down four free throws in the final minute to send Friday’s NCAA Tournament First Round game to overtime before coming up with a steal, a key offensive rebound, and two more free throws in the extra session as MIT stunned nationally-ranked No. 17 Rhode Island College, 73-68, in RIC’s Murray Center.
Men’s Basketball Plays in First-Ever NCAA Tourney
Farmingdale State advanced to the NCAA Division III Men’s Basketball Tournament Sectional Round for the first time in the program’s history on Saturday, defeating MIT, 67-61, at The Murray Center on the campus of Rhode Island College. Senior guard Damien Santana scored 20 of his team-high 23 points in the first half to lead the Rams’ attack.
GAME OF THE WEEK MIT Men’s Basketball Captures First NEWMAC Championship
The MIT men’s basketball team made history on Sunday, March 1, defeating Springfield College 76-50 to claim the first New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) championship in over a century of MIT basketball. This game capped a stellar season in which the team, led by senior tri-captains James M. “Jimmy” Bartolotta ’09, Willard J. “Billy” Johnson ’09 and Bradley H. Gampel ’09, cultivated a 20-8 record (8-4 NEWMAC) and broke Institute records for single-game points, career points, single-season assists, single-game and single-season steals, and three-point shots. The conference championship earns the Engineers’ their first-ever spot in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III Tournament.
Men’s Swimming and Diving Wins NEWMAC Championship by 245
After finishing second in the last two NEWMAC Men’s Swimming and Diving Championships, three times proved to be a charm as the Engineers delivered one of the most commanding victories in the history of the meet on Sunday at Wheaton College’s Balfour Auditorium. Scoring 1,030 points to outpace the runner-up, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, by nearly 300 points, MIT secured its first NEWMAC title since 2003 and fourth overall. Following the competition, Rastislav Racz ’10 was named NEWMAC Swimmer of the Year, while Timothy J. Stumbaugh ’12 earned Rookie of the Year honors.
Sports Shorts
The MIT men’s and women’s cross country teams were honored by the United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA), as both teams received the USTFCCCA’s All-Academic Team award. In addition, a number of student-athletes received individual accolades.
Women’s Tennis Overcomes Bates 7-2
This past Saturday, the MIT women’s tennis team defeated Bates College 7-2 in their opening match of the Spring Season. Adding to the excitement was the fact that this was the first match attended by Caroline Hamilton — the adopted teammate from Friends of Jacyln, which matches children with brain tumors with college and high school athletic teams. The team’s confidence after the first match, Caroline, and fan support gave them a good start.
Men’s Fencing Takes Second at N.E. All-Division Championships
The MIT men’s varsity fencing team took second place among 13 schools at the New England All Division Championship this past Sunday. The Engineers finished the day with 82 victories and 26 losses, just three bouts behind first-place Boston College. Despite finishing second in the three-weapon team competition, MIT finished first in two of the three squad competitions.
The Tech’s Athlete of the Week: Emily Houston ’10
Emily F. Houston ’10 has been named the Mid-Atlantic Conference Air Rifle Shooter of the Month for January after leading the Engineers to victory in that category in the Bean Pot competition last month. The junior captain has helped the Engineers compile a record of 25-8 this season.
Men’s Basketball Making History
In the 108-year history of the men’s basketball program at MIT, the team has never won a conference championship. That could all change this weekend.
Shin Claims Gold As Women Capture First
Last Sunday, the MIT women’s fencing team finished first out of 13 teams with a 96-22 record at the New England All Division Championship. Robin S. Shin ’12 went on to claim the gold in the individual sabre competition.
Sports Shorts
Behind six individual wins, the nationally-ranked No. 9 MIT women’s track and field team captured the NCAA Division III New England Championship for the first time in program history on Saturday. Jacqueline M. Wentz ’10 took first place in both the 1000 meters and the mile while Andrea E. Bradshaw ’09 ran an outstanding 800 meters to help the Engineers capture the regional championship. Sophomore Hazel L. Briner ’11 won the pentathlon while setting a school record on Friday for the Cardinal and Grey as well.