Lewiston, ME - Colby Women's Basketball traveled to Bates on Tuesday to face the Bobcats in their ninth game of the NESCAC season. The Mules fell to the Bobcats, with a final score of 62-75. 

The first quarter proved competitive between the two teams. The Mules and Bobcats exchanged the lead multiple times in the period, exiting the period with a 14-14 tie established by a layup by Chiamaka Ubani '22. Ubani heavily contributed to the Mules' pace, landing eight of the Mules' 14 points in the quarter. The first half of the second quarter followed a similar rhythm to the first, with both teams grabbing the lead at some stage and staying within four points of each other. The Bobcats found momentum in the second half of the period, though, rallying 12 points and holding the Mules to none to enter the third quarter with a score of 22-36. 

The second half of the game opened with more close play between the two teams. The Mules rallied in the first half of the third quarter to gain on the Bobcats' lead, propelled by strong offensive play by Caroline Smith '24. While the Mules maintained their strength at the net, the Bobcats sank multiple three-pointers late in the period to widen their lead and enter the final quarter with a score of 41-59. The Bobcats were able to hold their dominance early in the final quarter, landing multiple shots while holding the Mules scoreless. The Mules found a particular source of momentum in the third minute of the period, with various team members landing shots and adding nine points to the board while the Bobcats remained scoreless. The Bobcats were able to retaliate later on, but the Mules remained aggressive, scoring more points than in any other period. Nevertheless, the Bobcats were able to maintain their lead and emerge from the game victorious. 

Colby's strong performance at the net was largely propelled by Smith, who scored 22 points, over a third of the Mules' game points. Ubani led the team defensively, making seven rebounds, two turnovers, and two steals. Aggressive play proved vital for the Mules, with 40 of the team's 62 points being scored in the paint. 

Colby Women's Basketball is next set to face the Wesleyan Cardinals on Friday, February 11 at 7PM EST.