LEWISTON, Maine -- The Bates men's soccer team and defending NCAA champion Tufts entered their NESCAC game Saturday with identical overall records, and left the pitch still even after 110 scoreless minutes on Russell Street Field.

The Jumbos (7-3-2, 4-2-2 NESCAC) were credited with 29 shots to eight for Bates, including a 21-4 difference through 90 minutes. But a stout Bobcat defense held off the visitors behind 14 saves from senior goalie Sam Polito (Far Hills, N.J.). 

Tufts goalkeeper Scott Greenwood made four saves.

Bates (7-3-2, 2-3-2 NESCAC) came away with a point against Tufts for the first time since 2009, when the teams also tied 0-0. Tufts had won the rivals' previous three matchups by a cumulative score of 10-0.

Kevin Halliday and Nathan Majumder both attempted a team-high seven shots for Tufts, each putting four on goal. For Bates, sophomore Nate Merchant (Los Angeles, Calif.) put both of his two shots on goal.

The Bobcats are tied with Bowdoin for seventh place in the NESCAC standings, with eight points apiece. Tufts stands in third place with 14.

Bates will host Amherst tomorrow at 3pm; Tufts will next play a non-conference game at Keene State on Tuesday at 6pm.