WATERVILLE, Maine — In a showdown of early-season unbeatens, No. 11 Bates locked down defensively and delivered a composed second half to earn a 61–50 road win Tuesday night over No. 19 Colby.

The in-state conference foes traded leads throughout the first three quarters, but Bates (6–0) tightened the screws after halftime—committing just three turnovers over the final 20 minutes after giving the ball away 11 times in the first half. That turnaround proved critical as Colby scored 21 points off turnovers, but couldn't generate enough offense elsewhere, finishing 0-for-15 from three-point range.

Senior center Elsa Daulerio anchored the Bobcats with 20 points and eight rebounds, shooting 8-for-16 from the field and adding four clutch free throws from the charity stripe.

The night's historic performance, however, belonged to senior guard Sophie Spolter, who became just the fifth player in program history to hit 10 or more free throws in a game without a miss. Spolter went a perfect 10-for-10 from the line—all in the fourth quarter—as part of her 20-point effort. Bates shot 19-for-21 (91%) from the line overall.

After trailing 41–39 early in the fourth (9:18), Bates responded with a 22–9 closing run. Spolter scored 16 in the quarter alone, and the Bobcats held Colby to just three made field goals over the final 10 minutes. The Mules (5–1) were led by Lydia Mordarski's 15 points, but without perimeter production, Colby couldn't keep pace late.

Bates now turns its attention to another matchup of nationally-ranked undefeated squads as the Bobcats head home to host top rival, No. 6 Bowdoin (4–0), on Thursday night (7:00 p.m.) in Alumni Gym.