CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – MIT outscored Middlebury College, 18-9, in the fourth quarter en route to a 60-48 victory on Tuesday night in non-conference women's basketball action. Coming off the bench,
Brianna Lebrun generated 11 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks for the Engineers. Islay Moore tallied 11 points, five rebounds, and two steals for the Panthers.
THE BASICS:
- Score: MIT 60, Middlebury 48
- Records: MIT (7-10 Overall); Middlebury (11-8 Overall)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- In a back-and-forth opening quarter, a layup by Mariam Abdelbarr gave MIT a 14-12 lead with seven seconds to go.
- A layup and two free throws from Lebrun increased the Engineers' cushion. However, a three pointer by Molly Keaveney sparked an 11-4 run the put Middlebury in front, 23-22, with 1:55 on the clock. Abdelbarr quickly replied with a layup, but a trey from Keeley Baglio gave the Panthers the edge at halftime.
- Middlebury created some breathing room courtesy of a 6-2 spurt during the first two minutes of the third quarter. During MIT's ensuing possession, a layup by Olivia Joseph sparked a 12-1 run that resulted in a 38-33 lead at the 3:57 mark. An exchange of baskets followed as two free throws from Margot Newman narrowed the gap to 42-39 at the end of the frame.
- The Engineers responded by outscoring Middlebury 11-4 during the first five minutes of the fourth quarter to establish their first double-digit lead of the night. A defensive battle ensued until Newman sank a free throw, bringing the Panthers within 53-44 with 2:13 left to play. MIT went on to go 7-of-10 at the charity stripe to secure the victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Deana Prasad led all players with 14 points as Mary Lobon recorded 10 rebounds and eight points.
- Joseph finished with eight points and six rebounds while Riley O'Sullivan corralled a game-high 11 rebounds.
- Calie Messina contributed nine points as Keaveney and Newman both notched eight points while Newman collected seven rebounds.
- This was the first victory for the Engineers in three meetings with Middlebury.
UP NEXT:
- MIT has a quick turnaround as it will travel to NEWMAC rival Emerson College on Wednesday, January 28 for a 7:00 PM tip off.
- Middlebury returns to action on Sunday, February 1 when it hosts NESCAC foe Bates College at 1:00 PM.
STAY CONNECTED:
