LEWISTON, Maine – A sensational showing from Sarah Hughes was not enough to carry Bates to victory, as the Bobcats dropped a heart-wrenching 88-82 overtime decision to UMass Dartmouth in a thrilling non-conference matchup Saturday in Alumni Gym.
Bates had it all going for most of the game, but a series of missed opportunities in the final moments allowed the Corsairs to seize control in overtime. Leading by a game-high 13 points (48-35) with 8:11 to go in the third quarter, the Bobcats' commanding double-digit lead slipped away after critical missed shots in the final two minutes, and a series of costly offensive rebounds, that allowed UMass Dartmouth to steal the momentum.
Hughes was terrific on the night, leading Bates with 23 points, seven rebounds, and three assists. The dynamic sophomore point guard was efficient from the offensive end, shooting 40% (4-for-10) from three-point range and 47% overall (8-for-17), proving her scoring versatility against a tough Dartmouth defense.
The first half saw the Bobcats come out with energy, as their starting five delivered an offensive showcase. Bates starters were responsible for 38 of the team's 44 first-half points, with Alexandra Long leading the charge, pouring in 14 points (including the home team's first seven points) to help push the garnet and white to a 43-34 halftime lead. Long would finish with 18 points, three assists, and two steals.
Junior guard Sophie Spolter also provided an impact with 17 points, four assists, and six rebounds in a season-high 39 minutes of action. Elsa Daulerio was a force in the offensive paint, recording an understated 12 points and 11 rebounds, good for the junior's fifth double-double on the year. However, Daulerio's foul trouble late in the fourth quarter loomed large as she fouled out just before overtime (1:10 left).
The second half saw UMass Dartmouth come out with a vengeance, launching an 18-7 run to reclaim the lead by the 3:34 mark of the third quarter. The game would go down to the wire, with Bates clinging to a one-point advantage in the final minute. However, UMass Dartmouth's Teja Andrews (10 points) drew a crucial foul from Daulerio, sending the center to the bench. A steal and fast-break basket by Long briefly gave Bates the lead, but a free throw from Carly Whiteside (20 points, 14 rebounds) sent the game to overtime. The Corsairs (15-2) took control from there, outlasting the Bobcats in the extra period by a 13-7 margin en route to the visitors' ninth-straight victory.
Despite shooting nearly 44% from the field – better than UMass Dartmouth's 40% – Bates couldn't finish strong when it mattered most.
The Bobcats (10-8) now look to secure their first conference win of the winter when they host Williams (11-7) in a crucial NESCAC showdown this Friday at 6:00 p.m.
