MBK: Lasers fall to MIT in non-conference match-up; Masciarelli scores 19 points

NEWTON, Mass. – The Lasell University men's basketball team fell to MIT on Saturday afternoon at the Athletic Center, 84-70.

The visiting Engineers of MIT came into this season receiving votes in the D3hoops.com pre-season poll after finishing off an impressive year ending 23-5 with a NCAA tournament appearance.

Senior Stefan Masciarelli (Northbridge, Mass.) led the Lasers in scoring with 19 points to go along with two steals. Junior Kevin Vanderhorst (Lawrence, Mass.) earned himself his third double-double of the season with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Lasers. Junior Dylan Murray (Williston, Fla.) found his rhythm from behind the three-point line, finishing the game shooting 4-7 from deep with 14 points off the bench.

Sophomore Alex Cho (San Diego, Calif.) led the Engineers in the win. Cho finished with 30 points while shooting 10-17 with six triples. Junior Ian Hinkley (Raleigh, N.C.) chipped in with 16 points and sophomore Dan Pilsbury (Millington, N.J.) added 15 points himself.

The Engineers started off the first half up 28-19 with solid defense. The upset-minded Lasers fought their way back into the game going on a 17-0 run to take a 36-28 lead with two minutes left in the first half. MIT didn't stop there, cutting the deficit to three at the end of the half, 40-37.

Both teams traded baskets to begin the second frame. Halfway through the second half the Lasers found themselves up 62-55 after a pair of free-throws from Murray. The Engineers would go on a 19-0 run over the next six minutes led by Cho to gain a 74-62 lead. The Engineers would hold on to win 84-70.

The Lasers will square off with Brandeis after the Thanksgiving break on Tuesday, December 3 at home in the Athletic Center. MIT will head to Tufts University to take on the Jumbos on Tuesday, November 26 at 7 p.m.

 -- 30 --