Farmington, Maine - This Tuesday the Mules didn't have to travel far to take on in state competition University of Maine-Farmington. A short car drive kept Colby fresh as their huge second half made the game a run away, taking down the Beavers, 98-76. This win takes Colby to 5-4 on the season as they head into two rivalry games later this week.

The game started with both teams pretty evenly split. Colby stretched their lead to nine in the early part of the half but the Beavers worked their way back and even took the lead. Unlike the last two games, the squad rotation was evident in this half since ten players touched the court compared to six or seven in the previous. This rotation might have worked to Colby's advantage as starters Max Poulton and Jack Lawson got their breaks but played excellent. Lawson had fifteen first half points and five rebounds while Poulton had ten, although shooting an uncharacteristic 1 for 5 from three. When the Mules fell behind with less than five minutes to go, a 12-2 run inspired by eight points from Lawson helped give Colby a seven point lead as they headed into half winning 46-39.

The second half saw a whole new team as Colby came out of the break firing. Poulton got back on the score sheet with his second three of the game while Lawson had six. Freshman Marcos Montiel also started to see his shots fall, shooting 100% from the field as he went 4-4 and 2-2 from inside and outside the arc respectively. Colby had 56 points coming from inside the arc as they got to paint quite easily. Additionally, 12 of their points came from fast breaks as Montiel and Henry Westrich had three and two steals respectively. The Mules' strong second half was helped along as well by Liam O'Connell and Lucas Green. Green had seven points and three rebounds in the second half, shooting over 65% from the field. O'Connell also converted frequently with eight points from 75% shooting. In the end the Mules ran away with the game, bouncing back with a much needed win before a tough few games ahead. Lawson ended the game with 27 points and 10 rebounds for his third double double of the season while Poulton had 19 points and seven rebounds. 

This Thursday the Mules host NESCAC rivals Bowdoin in a non-conference game at 7:00pm. A win this week will set the tone for Colby's identity in their conference this year, especially against a rival that they will face later in the season.