CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – Anna
Merrifield’s 16 rebounds and 10 points in addition to a
10-point outing by Kristen Whaley would not be enough as host
Simmons College held on for a 48-41 victory over MIT in
non-conference women’s basketball action on Saturday. Aparna
Sud chipped in nine points for the Engineers (2-8) while Lauren
Sascha Burton tallied five rebounds and two steals. Stephanie Cooke
added five boards, including four off the offensive glass.
The Sharks opened the scoring with a three-pointer, but a basket by
Burton and a trey from Sud put MIT in front, 5-3. Despite two ties,
the Engineers were able to maintain their slight edge courtesy of a
Burton jumper. Simmons regained the lead on a three-point play,
however a free throw from Cooke evened the contest at 10 with 12:16
on the clock. The Sharks responded with a trio of three-pointer to
establish their largest margin of the half.
The Cardinal and Gray slowly chipped away at the deficit, coming
within one (19-18) at the 7:43 mark. Merrifield was responsible for
seven out of the eight points during the spurt while Burton
contributed a free throw. Simmons countered with an 11-5 run to
gain some breathing room. A jumper and two free throws by Whaley
right before the buzzer narrowed the gap to 30-27 at the half.
The Sharks drained a pair of baskets to start the second stanza.
MIT stayed within striking distance, trimming its margin to four on
three occasions, the last at 41-37 on a Sud three-pointer with 7:15
on the clock. Simmons responded with a jumper and a trey to
reestablish a comfortable cushion. Baskets by Sally Simpson and
Whaley cut the lead to five (46-41) with 2:58 remaining in
regulation. The Engineers had several chances to close the gap, but
their shots wouldn’t fall. A pair of free throws by the
Sharks wrapped up the scoring with 25 seconds left to play.