CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - Despite a game-best 16 points from junior forward Amber Legare, the Mount Holyoke College basketball team could not overcome a first half deficit, falling to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 47-32 in New England Women's and Men's Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) action on Saturday.

The Engineers improve to 4-3 overall and move to 2-2 in conference play, while the Lyons slip to 3-4 overall and 1-4 in NEWMAC action.

It was a back-and-forth battle to open the game as both teams kept things close. Junior captain Kate Karraker gave the visitors an 8-7 lead with 12:25 to go as she nailed a shot from downtown. The lead was shortlived as MIT responded with consecutive buckets to take an 11-8 lead.

A layup at 6:32 by junior forward Nicole DeMarchena cut MHC's deficit to 15-12, but the Engineers poured on the offense to close out the half, going on a 12-0 run to take a 27-12 advantage into halftime.

 In the second half, MIT continued to hold the lead, but the visiting Lyons responded with an 8-0 run of their own to trail by just 36-23 with 12:47 to play in the game. Mount Holyoke battled hard, capitalizing on key free throws, including two each by Karraker and Legare, to make it a 41-29 score with 7:21 on the clock.

Despite the momentum, the Engineers took advantage of four points of their own free throws to maintain the lead and hold off MHC for the victory.

Leading the way for MIT was Sabrina Drammis and Mari Kordell, each of whom poured in 15 points. Drammis also added eight rebounds, while Maya Ramachandran chipped in with 11 points and a game-best nine caroms.

For the Lyons, Legare added seven rebounds and two steals to her game-high 16 points. DeMarchena added eight rebounds, two steals, an assist and a block, while Karraker had seven points, three assists, four rebounds and two steals.

The Lyons are now idle until December 29 when they square off against Oneonta State in the San Juan Shootout in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Game time is set for 4pm. MIT is back on the court on Tuesday when it hosts Framingham State at 7pm.