Sevilla Stuffs Stat Sheet as WPI Tops Emerson 68-43 in NEWMAC Clash

WORCESTER -- Paced by a balanced offensive attack, the WPI men's basketball team remained unbeaten in NEWMAC play, topping visiting Emerson, 68-43, on Saturday afternoon in Harrington Auditorium. The Engineers improve to 10-2 overall, 3-0 in NEWMAC play, while the Lions fall to 4-8, 0-3 in conference games. 

12 different WPI players scored points on the afternoon, led by Donovan Sevilla (San Ramon, CA) who recorded 13 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Nathan Bledsoe (San Antonio, TX) followed with nine points and Andrew Lufkin (Auburn, NH) chipped in with eight. Aidan Callahan (Rowley, MA) finished with eight points with five rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while John Adams (Douglas, MA) rounded out the highlights with seven points and a game-best 11 rebounds. 

For Emerson, Brendan McNamara (Arlington, MA) led all players with 19 points, adding four rebounds and two steals. Trevor Arico (Ann Arbor, MI) notched eight points and four rebounds, while Asher Gardiner (Christchurch, New Zealand) led the Lions with eight rebounds, adding five points and a pair of blocks. 

The Engineers broke an early 2-2 tie with 10 unanswered points for the first extended run of the game. Emerson answered with five straight points to close the gap to 12-7 on a Shay Roban (Long Island, NY) three, but Bledsoe and Tim Reidy (Needham, MA) hit from long range for WPI to make it 20-12 WPI midway through the half. 

The Engineers' advantage peaked at eight until five unanswered points from J.R. Newman (Havertown, PA) pushed it to 13 points at 31-18 with 4:26 left in the half. A quiet end of the half saw Emerson close the gap slightly, but WPI led 32-23 at the break. 

The Engineers opened the second half on a 19-6 run, extending the lead to 22 points (51-29). Sevilla and Bledsoe combined for 11 points and JT Veiking (Mansfield, MA) drained a three during the stretch. Emerson cut the deficit to 17 points twice in the second half, but WPI finished out the comfortable victory. 

While the Engineers shot only 39.6% (26-66) from the field and 28% (7-25), they held Emerson to 32% (16-50) from the field and just 15% (3-20) from long range. The Crimson and Gray also forced 19 Lions turnovers in the game. 

WPI is back in action on Thursday, continuing NEWMAC play with a 7pm match-up at Clark. Emerson returns to the court on Tuesday, hosting the Cougars at 6pm.