HARTFORD, Conn. -- Bates College men's basketball dropped an 88–77 decision at No. 5 Trinity College Friday night in Ray Oosting Gymnasium, falling to the defending NCAA Division III national champions in a key NESCAC road contest.
The teams were tied at 8–8 (17:23) and 24–24 (8:01) in the first half, with Bates taking its largest lead of the night at 21–16 following a
Jamari Robinson three-pointer at the 11:08 mark. Trinity responded by outscoring the Bobcats 23-11 over the next 9:18 to create a seven-point cushion of 39-32 with 1:50 left in the half.
Coming out of the intermission ahead by four (39-35), Trinity opened the second half on a 10–1 run, extending its advantage to 49–36 just 2:48 into the period. Bates cut the margin to single digits numerous times throughout the stanza, getting as close as seven (64-57) with 11:06 remaining in regulation. The Bantams extended the lead back to double digits and fired off a 12-3 spurt to go up by 16 (76-60) with 5:25 left.
The Bobcats (16-5. 4-3 NESCAC) refused to quit, rattling off a furious 15-6 run of its own over the next 4:36 to again slice the deficit to seven (82-75) with only 0:49 remaining. Trinity would proceed to go a perfect six-for-six from the charity stripe the rest of the way to seal the home win.
Robinson's career-high 27 points led all players as the first-year shot 50% from the floor (7-for-14) and knocked down 10-of-13 attempts from the free-throw line in 23 minutes off the Bobcats' bench.
Brady Coyne (four three-pointers) and
Babacar Pouye each added 14 points apiece for Bates.
Sean O'Leary dished a career-best eight assists in the setback.
Trinity (19-2, 6-2 NESCAC) posted four players in double-digits, paced by Henry Vetter and his 20 points. Jarrel Okorougo authored a double-double consisting of 19 points and 11 boards. The Bantams dominated with 40 points in the paint (vs. 12 for Bates) and hit on 28-of-37 (76%) free-throw attempts.
Things don't get easier for the garnet and white as the Bobcats move on to play No. 18 Wesleyan (16-5, 6-1 NESCAC) Sunday at 1:00 p.m. in Middletown, Conn.
