Danny Kanamori started the second half the same way he started the first; with a fast-break lay-up off a steal at mid-court. The first points of the second frame increased MIT’s lead to a game-high 10 points at 35-25. The Engineers opened the game with a 12-3 run, and started the second half by scoring 11 of the first 13 points. Jimmy Bartolotta’s jumper from the wing gave MIT its largest lead of the night at 46-27, although the Engineers stayed ahead comfortably for most of the half.
MIT struggled from the perimeter against the Mustangs’ defense, but answered with 26 points in the paint after dominating on the glass. Freshman Adam Juneau had another big night and led all players with 10 rebounds. Phil Murray grabbed nine boards for the Cardinal and Gray, while nine players had at least three rebounds.
A lay-up by Bruce Cary with 5:08 left in regulation brought Mount Ida (1-7) within 11 at 54-43, but a pair of free throws by Gary Atkins and a jumper in the lane courtesy of Mike D’Auria quickly silenced any thought of a comeback.
D’Auria led all scorers with 15 points, but endured his worst shooting performance of the campaign after going 7-of-17 from the floor, including 1-of-6 outside. Bartolotta was 3-of-4 from three-point land and chipped in 13, while Kanamori also scored 13 points, while adding a game-best seven assists and three steals.
The Mustangs were led by Mike Dunham and Scott Chamberlain, who each contributed 11 points in the loss, although MIT’s suffocating defense held Mount Ida to just 32% shooting for the game. Despite committing 19 turnovers, the Engineers set a season-high with five blocks.