LEWISTON, Maine -- A dominant 19-point performance from Babacar Pouye lifted Bates to a 65-51 victory over Bowdoin in a heated rivalry matchup Tuesday at Alumni Gym.

Pouye (Carpinteria, Calif.) continued his stellar start to the season, adding seven rebounds and one block to his game-high 19 points. The sophomore forward was supported by a balanced team effort, including six points from teammate Ben Leach (Atlanta, Ga.) and a strong showing on both ends of the floor from first-year Sean O'Leary, who contributed six points and five rebounds.

Bates also got solid contributions from a pair of Maine-born guards. Peter Psyhogeos (Yarmouth, Maine) registered seven points, five assists, and three rebounds, while Brady Coyne (Falmouth, Maine) chipped in nine points and two rebounds.

The game was a back-and-forth affair in the first half, with Bates holding a narrow 26-25 advantage at the break. Despite solid defense, the Bobcats struggled with their shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, making just 2 of 10 three-point attempts (20%). However, Bates stayed within striking distance thanks to the gritty play of David Omasombo (Lewiston, Maine), who scored five points and grabbed two rebounds in the first half, including one of the team's two three-pointers.

Omasombo's impact carried over into the second half as he finished the game with eight points, two assists, and two rebounds, hitting two three-pointers to energize the home crowd. Cole Decker (Pound Ridge, N.Y.) also played a key role, scoring eight points on 75% shooting, including two crucial three-pointers.

Bates' offense clicked into gear in the second half, improving their three-point shooting to 5-for-11 (45%), and shooting 44% from the field overall (22-50), which helped them extend their slim halftime lead. Bowdoin, on the other hand, struggled from the free-throw line, converting just 6 of 19 attempts (31.6%). The Bobcats capitalized on their opportunities, making 14 of 18 free throws (77.8%) to pull away for the 65-51 victory.

The previously undefeated Polar Bears (6-1) were unable to recover from their shooting woes, with Bates' defensive pressure and efficient offense proving too much to overcome.

Tuesday's victory provides the garnet and white its first three-game winning streak since winning four-in-a-row during the 2019-20 campaign.

The Bobcats (3-4) return to action on Saturday at 4 p.m. with a non-conference match-up vs. Brandeis University in a contest hosted by Tufts in Medford, Mass.