LEWISTON — Though the Bates College men’s basketball team watched its lead dwindle Tuesday night, the Bobcats never let it slip away.

Bates built an early advantage in the opening half and then fought off a comeback by the University of Southern Maine in a 56-47 win.

The undefeated Bobcats were up by as many as 16 in the first half but watched the Huskies get within five midway through the second half.

“This is the first time we’ve been undefeated at this point since 2006-2007,” said Bates coach Jon Furbush. “I told the guys that turkey always tastes better undefeated.”

Though USM (1-3) tried to rally, Bates finished the game strong, getting the needed defensive plays and the clutch baskets to preserve the lead. Though the Huskies got within 46-41 with 10:26 left, the Bobcats maintained the lead the rest of the way.

“We built ourselves enough of a cushion and just maintained it,” Furbush said. “We didn’t play very well, but we played good enough. That’s sort of where we’ve been at in the (first) four games.”

USM made it interesting with a strong second half, but the Huskies couldn’t finish the rally. In a strong defensive battle down the stretch, the Bobcats made the shots that counted and USM couldn’t turn the momentum.

“We came back,” said USM coach Karl Henrikson. “We battled and showed a lot of heart and guts. At halftime, we told them they had to toughen up a little bit. They showed me a lot that second half, that they can play and that they can compete.”

Bates (4-0) had four players in double figures. Malcolm Delpeche and Marcus Delpeche each had 12 points and combined for 20 rebounds. Mike Boornazian scored 11 points, while Graham Safford had 10 points and eight rebounds.

 Zach Leal led USM with 13 points. Cole Libby added 11.

Bates used a 13-4 run in the first half to open up the lead. USM was plagued by turnovers and finished the game with 22.

“We’ve got some talent, but we’re inexperienced,” said Henrikson. “There were some times where their eyes were saucers with the pressure.”

Bates had the lead at 33-18 at halftime, but two quick hoops by Sean Caddigan and Leal had USM starting strong in the second half.

USM got within 43-38 with 11:19 left and got to 46-41 on a 3 by former Central Maine Community College standout Jalen Lincoln with 10:26 left. From there, USM managed only two field goals and six points.

“To Bates’ credit, they defended our shooters extremely well,” Henrikson. “They didn’t let Sean Caddigan get going much.”

Bates was strong on the defensive end of the floor down the stretch and got some key rebounds by the Delpeche brothers. The Bobcats also got the offense it needed to pad the lead.

After USM got within five, Malcolm Delpeche put back a rebound with 7:47 left. Then his brother finished off a transition basket with 6:51 to make it 50-41.

After a drive by Libby that made it 50-43, Boornazian scored on a rebound. USM got a free throw by Libby, but Marcus Delpeche scored on a rebound. Lincoln hit another 3 with 2:31 left. That made it 54-47 and USM had the chance to cut it to five but missed an easy layup. Malcolm Delpeche sank a pair of free throws at the other end.

“Down the stretch, the guys made enough plays to get the win,” Furbush said. “I think part of that is that we do have some good veterans in the backcourt that will themselves to victory and get everyone around them to play at a high level.”

kmills@sunjournal.com