LEWISTON, Maine -- Bates men's basketball stayed perfect at Alumni Gym Friday night, defeating Williams College 67–57 for its first win over the Ephs since 2015.

The Bobcats led 37–24 at halftime and maintained a double-digit advantage for much of the second half, improving to 8–0 at home this season. The win marked Bates' first victory over Williams since a 70–68 decision in Alumni Gym on Feb. 6, 2015.

With the game knotted at 15 after a Ben Leach free throw with 8:57 to go before intermission, Bates launched into a 20-5 run to build a 35-20 surplus with 1:10 remaining. 

Bates extended its lead early in the second half, pushing the margin to 49–30 on a Leach layup at the 14:04 mark. Williams proceeded to trim the deficit six (63-57) after a Jackson Rein (21 points) three-pointer capped an Ephs surge of 27-14 with 3:01 to go. That would be the end of the offense for the Ephs (11-9, 0-6 NESCAC) as the home team closed out the evening with a 4-for-4 showing at the charity stripe.

Brady Coyne paced the victors with 20 points, the senior's sixth 20+ showing of the season. Peter Psyhogeos secured a team-best nine boards to go along with seven points. Jamari Robinson contributed nine points in 22 minutes off the bench.

The home team dominated the glass with a 48-31 rebound margin.

Bates (15-4, 3-2 NESCAC) will now welcome Middlebury College (7-11, 1-4 NESCAC) to Alumni Gym this Sunday for a 1:00 p.m. conference clash.