WPI 86, Wheaton 70

Box Score

Worcester, MA --- Jerome Kirkland (Boston, MA) erupted for a career-high 24 points to help lift WPI to an 86-70 victory over visiting Wheaton Saturday afternoon.  The NEWMAC conference contest was played at Worcester State's Lancer Gymnasium after water damage to the court at Harrington Auditorium earlier this week. 

Kirkland registered a pair of 3-pointers and added a conventional three point play en route to tallying nine points in the opening 2:54.  After an exciting first four minutes, both teams stiffened on the defensive end and held each other scoreless for over five minutes.  After Wheaton went on a quick 6-1 run to grab brief lead, Kirkland added nine more points before intermission to help the Engineers take a 36-28 advantage into the locker room at halftime.

WPI took control of the game in the opening minutes of the second half, scoring 20 of the first 23 points.  Seniors Antoine Coleman (Everett, MA) and Jim Marois (Worcester, MA) sparked the run for the Engineers, combining for 10 points. 

Coleman ended the day with 13 points while Marois and Ben Etten (Hollis, NH) both tossed in 10.  Adam Lirette (Dover, NH) chipped in with 9 points and a game-best seven assists.

The Engineers had six players grab at least five rebounds, led by Ryan Bourque's (Nashua, NH) seven.  On the day, WPI enjoyed a 44-33 advantage on the glass. 

Jaxon Leo (Leesburg, VA) paced Wheaton with 11 points while Kristopher Pedra (Avon, CT) added 10 and Bobby Perry (East Providence, RI), Anthony Coppola (Watertown, MA) and Jake Otto (Glastonbury, CT) all notched eight.

Wheaton did much of its damage on the perimeter, connecting on 10-of-21 3-point attempts.  In all, seven different Lyons drained a shot from behind the arc.    

The win, coupled with Clark falling at home to MIT, propelled WPI back into first place in the NEWMAC  The Engineers are now 13-5 overall and 4-1 in the conference.  Wheaton slips to 10-6 on the season and 1-4 in NEWMAC play. 

Both teams are back in action on Wednesday.  WPI plays at MIT at 6pm while the Lyons entertain Springfield at 7pm.