Clark Surges Past MIT, 63-50

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – A 29-5 run that spanned 13 minutes in the first half helped propel Clark University to a 63-50 victory over host MIT in a New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) women's basketball game on Wednesday night. Emily Reilly tallied a game-high 18 points, registering 11 during the pivotal stretch for the Cougars, who snapped a four-game skid and raised their record to 3-9 on the year and 2-3 in conference play. Anna Merrifield powered the Engineers (5-6, 1-4 NEWMAC) with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists.

MIT quickly established an 11-4 lead after 3:22 expired in the opening frame. Following over a minute of scoreless play, a pair of free throws from Reilly sparked the game-changing run that resulted in a 33-17 advantage with 2:25 on the clock. On the Engineers' ensuing possession Tamara Pena drained a three-pointer and Rachel Hunt later converted two free throws, narrowing the gap to 33-21 at halftime.

Clark went on to outscore the Cardinal and Gray 18-5 during the first seven minutes of the second half, creating its largest advantage of the night (51-26). MIT continued to attack as a 14-3 run featuring eight points from Hunt brought it within 54-40 at the 7:19 mark. The Cougars countered with a 7-2 spurt, thwarting any attempts by the hosts to generate a late rally.

Hunt finished with 12 points, 10 rebounds, four blocks, and two steals while Lauren Sascha Burton notched 13 points and four steals. Stephanie Cooke contributed five boards and two steals for the Engineers.

In addition to leading all scorers, Reilly chipped in four rebounds and two steals. Megan Grondin recorded 12 points and seven boards as Ivori Aiken compiled 10 points, five rebounds, five steals, and a block in 14 minutes off the bench. Ashleigh Condon totaled six points, five assists, and four caroms while Kelsey Giedymin added four rebounds and two blocks. Kate Minister tacked on five boards and three assists as Maggie Croft bolstered the bench's scoring output with seven points.

Both squads continue conference play on Saturday, Jan. 8. MIT will travel to Smith College while Clark plays host to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.