THE BASICS:
- Score: MIT 90, Clark University 84 (OT)
- Records: MIT (10-8, 3-4 NEWMAC); Clark University (8-10, 3-4 NEWMAC)
- Location: Cambridge, Mass. (Rockwell Cage)
- The Lead: Led by a career-high 26-point, 13-rebound double-double from sophomore Giannis Chatziveroglou (Athens, Greece), the MIT men's basketball team pulled out a 90-84 NEWMAC victory over Clark University on Wednesday evening at Rockwell Cage. MIT led by 13 in the second half before the Cougars eventually forced overtime.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The Cougars jumped out to a quick start behind some solid three-point shooting, grabbing a seven-point lead at 19-12 with 10:57 left in the half after a basket from Anthony Grzembski.
- MIT used a pair of three-pointers and six points from Chatziveroglou over the next six minutes to go out in front by a 29-28 margin with 4:31 on the clock. The game was tied three times over the remainder of the half, including after a three from first-year Matas Masys (Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.) with 41 seconds left that sent the game into the break at 39-39.
- The Engineers came out firing in the second half and staked to a 57-48 lead at the 13:37 mark following a three by junior Ian Hinkley (Raleigh, N.C.). Masys hit another three moments later to give MIT its first double-digit advantage at 62-51 and eventually led 68-55 with 9:15 on the clock.
- Over the next seven minutes, the Cougars embarked on an 18-5 run to tie the game as a three-pointer from Biko Gayman tied the contest at 73-73. Gayman hit two free throws to put Clark up by two before a late free throw by Masys knotted the game at 77-77 after regulation.
- The two teams battled in overtime as both Clark and MIT held the lead over the first 3:45. After Clark's Antoni Lapeyrolerie tied the game at 84-84, Masys gave MIT the lead for good with 54 seconds left after a pair of free throws. Chatiziveroglou and sophomore Muna Nwana (White Plains, N.Y.) combined for four free throws in the remainder of overtime to help the Engineers secure the six-point victory.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS:
- Chatziveroglou finished 10-for-12 shooting at the free throw line and added two blocks after registering career highs in both points (26) and rebounds (13). Hinkley hit four three-pointers to finish with 20 points, along with 16 points and a team-high seven assists from Masys. Sophomore Dan Pilsbury (Millington, N.J.) also finished in double figures with 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
- For Clark, Gayman tallied a game-high 27 points to go with seven assists, followed by Tyler Davern with a near double-double at 26 points and nine assists. Zackary Mittelstadt chipped in 11 points off the bench.
- MIT held a convincing 45-35 rebounding edge that included an 11-6 edge on the offensive glass. Both teams had 16 assists, while the two teams combined for 17 steals, eight blocks and 35 turnovers.
- The Engineers outscored the Cougars 25-15 at the free throw line, attempting a season-high 39 free throws.
- MIT now leads the all-time series by a 44-37 margin.
UP NEXT:
- MIT is back in action on Saturday, February 1st as the Engineers travel to nearby Emerson College for a 3 p.m. start.
STAY CONNECTED:
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