Clinton, N.Y. - The Colby Mules took on Hamilton College in the first round of NESCAC playoffs Friday night. Colby entered the game following an uneasy stretch to end the season.  With some key players rested and healthy, the Mules were able to take to the road to top the Continentals 64-58 in Clinton. 

The first half was very close, ending with Colby up four, 35-31. The Mules shot 52.00% from the field and 33.33% from three, outshooting Hamilton in both categories, as the team shot 38.24 % from the field and 36.36 % from three. Its clear that shooting simply won't work out in the playoffs. Thanks to the great efficiency Colby ended up in the lead heading into the second. 

The second half was close all the way through, with The Mules finding some relief, as Noah Tyson hit a crucial free throw to put the team up four with fourteen seconds to play. In the second half Colby's shooting percentage took a major hit, falling to 33.33 % from the field and 13.33% from three. The shooting was good enough to hang on however, as the team focused defensively and limited Hamilton's scoring. 

Noah Tyson had a very strong performance, finishing with 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals. Matt Hanna also played well, leaving the game with a box sheet of 10 points, five rebounds, and one assist. The team's two best players showed up when it mattered, also taking help with a man who's been missing from the lineup for a while, Will King. King had 12 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Finally, Alec McGovern had a very efficient night with 12 points on 5/8 shooting from the field and 2/5 from three.

The win came as a team in the first round, and for the Mules to continue their playoff success they'll need to keep doing the same. Colby will take on the 9-1, number one seed Wesleyan College on Sunday, February 20th, in the second round of the NESCAC playoffs.