LEWISTON – Turning the ball over 15 times, giving up 28 rebounds, and allowing 40 points in one half is never a good start to any basketball game.

Colby College rebounded in the second half of the NESCAC match-up to come within striking distance of Bates, but never overcame the deficit created during the opening 20 minutes of the game, falling to the Bobcats 77-60.

“I had three goals for the team coming into tonight’s game – stop transition baskets, control defensive boards and take care of the ball. We did not meet any of these in the first half,” said Colby coach Tricia O’Brien.

Bates’ signature pressure defense wreaked havoc on Colby early, as the Bobcats jumped out to a 17-4 lead six minutes into the half. The increased confidence level of Betsy Hochadel poured through on 7-for-11 shooting for 16 points before intermission. The Bates junior recorded her first double-double with a career-high 22 points and 12 rebounds.

“Anytime you beat Colby it’s a great win,” said Bates coach Jim Murphy. “I am disappointed in how much dribble penetration we allowed as well as our lack of help on defense. We worked on these in practice but we didn’t show it on the floor tonight.”

Five minutes into the second half, Bates’ Lauren Dobois drained her second 3-pointer off a feed from Olivia Zurek to give Bates a 53-27 lead.

After a timeout, the Mules began a 12-0 run, including a 3-pointer from Kate Emery and huge back-to-back baskets from Laura Williamson. Emery and Billi Blanchard then combined for a trio of 3s, cutting the Bobcats lead to 56-48.

Colby could claw no further, as Bates regained control and pushed the lead back into double digits.

“We got too comfortable in the second half. This was a problem for us earlier in the season as well. But, we regained our composure and I really believe that is a testament to how we’ve grown as a team,” said Dubois.

Although Colby gave up 20 points off turnovers, 12 points on second chance shots, and 20 points in the paint, it was a fight to the finish.

“We didn’t execute defensively in the first half, but we turned it around after halftime and played with confidence,” said O’Brien. “We started to rebound stronger in the second half and began shooting the ball with more confidence.”

Olivia Zurek notched another double-double for Bates with 18 points and 16 boards. She also dished out five assists and nabbed five steals. Dubois knocked in three of eight from long range and rookie Meg Coffin chipped in 13 points to strengthen to offensive attack.

Colby had four players with 10 points or more, led by a 14-point effort from Kate Emery.

“We lost our patience and we did not get back on defense or contest enough shots,” said Murphy. “But, Olivia (Zurek), Betsy (Hochadel), and Meg (Coffin) had some big plays down the stretch and we were able to hold on to the lead.”

Bates stays at home Saturday for a NESCAC showdown with front-runner Bowdoin College, who is currently No. 1 team in the country in Division III.

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