WORCESTER, Mass. – An 11-3 run that spanned 6:41 in the fourth quarter propelled the MIT women's basketball team to a 53-51 victory over WPI in NEWMAC action on Wednesday night.
Mary Lobon led all players with 15 points, including a 4-for-4 performance at the free throw line during the final 35 seconds of regulation, and added a game-high six rebounds for the visiting Engineers.
THE BASICS:
- Score: MIT 53, WPI 51
- Records: MIT (6-9 Overall, 1-1 NEWMAC); WPI (10-6 Overall, 1-1 NEWMAC)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- After a back-and-forth start, a layup by Olivia Joseph and then a free throw from Brianna Lebrun gave MIT a 14-11 edge at the end of the first quarter.
- A three pointer from Joseph two minutes into the second stanza created some breathing room, however, WPI put together a 9-2 run that resulted in a 20-19 lead at the 4:40 mark. Both teams traded baskets during the next 50 seconds as a jumper by Riley O'Sullivan put MIT in front, 23-22. Inside the final three minutes, WPI recorded two free throws and a layup to enter halftime with a small cushion.
- WPI's lead grew to 36-28 after 3:26 elapsed in the third quarter. MIT chipped away at the deficit as an 11-5 run, capped by a three-point play from Lobon brought the visitors within 41-39 with 58 seconds remaining. However, WPI countered with a layup during its next possession.
- A free throw by the hosts moved the score to 44-39 following 34 seconds of action in the fourth quarter. A defensive battle ensued until a trey from Deana Prasad at the 6:49 mark started the pivotal 11-3 run as two Lobon free throws gave MIT a 50-47 lead with 35.7 seconds left.
- WPI replied with a layup six seconds later, but Ruth Lanouette converted the first of two free throws with 25.2 seconds on the clock. Lobon grabbed the rebound and was fouled, sending her to the charity stripe where she drained two more shots. WPI cut its deficit in half courtesy of a putback with 2.3 seconds remaining, resulting in the 53-51 final.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- O'Sullivan generated 12 points and five rebounds while Lanouette finished with 10 points and three steals.
- Joseph chipped in eight points as Mariam Abdelbarr posted four rebounds and two steals.
UP NEXT:
- MIT will host NEWMAC foe Babson College on Saturday, January 24 at 1:00 PM.
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