LEWISTON, Maine --  Despite a game-high 21 points from junior Brady Coyne (Falmouth, Maine), Bates College couldn't overcome their rivals from Colby, falling 82-60 in Alumni Gym to the Mules in a highly anticipated match-up.

The win evens the home-and-home series between the NESCAC foes as the Bobcats were victorious up in Waterville, 74-63, back on Jan. 5.

Colby (10-6, 2-1 NESCAC) dominated from the opening tip as the road team jumped out to an immediate 16-2 lead and never looked back. The Mules increased its cushion to a first-half high 18 points with Colby carrying a 54-36 advantage into intermission. Bates never dipped its deficit to under double-digits with the Mules going up as much as 23 points (82-59) with 51 seconds left in regulation

Bates' most glaring issue throughout the contest was their inability to secure rebounds. Colby dominated the glass, grabbing 52 boards, compared to 43 for Bates. The Mules produced 15 second-chance points off their 18 offensive rebounds. 

It would be a tale of two benches as well, as the victors received 37 points from their reserves, while Bates only saw seven points from non-starters. The contest was loaded with long-range shooting as both teams launched a combined 62 attempts from beyond the arc. Colby hit on 11 of 28 tries from deep, while Bates knocked down 11 of 34.

Marcos Montiel (8-for-8 FT) and Sam Hinman (five three-pointers) paced Colby with 17 points apiece in the win. Jack Lawson and Dan Civello (four three-pointers) followed with 15 each.

Coyne showcased his offensive prowess, knocking down six three-pointers on a season-high 15 attempts. First-year Keenan Sparks (York, Maine) collected new career-bests with 15 points, eight rebounds, and seven made free throws for the Bobcats.

Bates (7-8, 1-3 NESCAC) will look to bounce back when they host the University of Maine-Farmington in a non-conference tilt this Wednesday at 7 p.m.