Wheelock Outlasts Mitchell in Shootout, Advances to NECC Semifinals

Chestnut Hill, Mass. - The Wheelock College men's basketball team survived a tremendous second half from Mitchell College to advance to the second round of the New England Collegiate Conference playoffs with a 105-91 win over the Mariners in front of a packed house at Pine Manor College Tuesday night. The Wildcats will travel to Chicopee Friday when the team takes on #1 seed Elms College at 6:00 pm, and the loss concludes the Mariners' season.

Wheelock led by as many as 30 points in the first half, but Mitchell put on a gutsy performance in the second twenty minutes, clawing to within seven points before the Wildcats put the game away in the final minutes to win the second of three meetings with the Mariners this season.

Wheelock got out to one of the fastest starts in program history, netting 60 points in the first half alone. The Wildcats went on an incredible 34-5 run, leading by as many of 30 points in the first half. The team was 23-for-34 from the field, shooting 67% in the first half alone.

Mitchell returned the favor after the break though, heated up, out-shooting Wheelock 67% to 41% from the field. A triple by Alex Vess (Middletown, Conn.) brought the Mariners within seven, but the Wildcats nailed seven of their last eight free throws to help seal the victory.

Wheelock was led by Sherard Robbins (Malden, Mass.), who scored a team-high 25 points and ripped down a game-high 12 rebounds. Kyle Pierce continued his top play for the Wildcats, scoring 22 points in a 7-for-9 performance from the field, while sophomore Dan Main (Hopedale, Mass.) was also in double figures with 17 points while dishing out six assists. 12 different players lit up the scorebook for the Wildcats in the win.

Mitchell was led by Jenel Russel (East Hampton, N.Y.), who scored a game-high 26 points, while three other Mariners were in double-digits. Mike DePaolo (Asbury, N.J.) hit 22 points, include five three-pointers, while teammate Eric Murray (Bridgeport, Conn.) was 7-for-17 for 19 points and a team-leading seven rebounds. Senior Joshua Witt (New London, Conn.) turned in a double-double with his 12 points and 11 assists.

Tonight marks the first time the Wildcats have topped the 100 point mark in their two year history. The outpouring of points eclipses the old record of 97 points set last week against Southern Vermont College.

The win improves Wheelock's record to 10-16 on the season, while Mitchell falls to 8-18 for the year.