Waterville, Maine - Colby hosted #10 ranked Trinity tonight in a highly anticipated matchup as the Mules looked to secure NESCAC tournament berth. Both teams played fast-paced, energetic basketball that aimed to smother the opposing team on defense. After a difficult first half, Colby responded well in the second and launched a comeback, but unfortunately fell short to the Bantams, 78-88. This loss takes them to 13-10 overall and 4-5 in NESCAC conference play. 

The Mules came out in a zone, placing four guys along the perimeter to contest Trinity's three-point efficiency which worked early on. Unfortunately, this enabled the Bantams to easily get to the paint and short corner, taking a quick lead. After a few adjustments defensively, Colby was able to clog the frontcourt but Trinity responded with a barrage of threes. These back-and-forth tactical adjustments ebbed and flowed throughout the game and were evident on both ends. When they got open looks, the Mules had one of their best three-point shooting games of the year, but as Colby did on defense, Trinity contested the ball in the backcourt, making it difficult for the Mules to get shots off behind the arc once they got momentum.

Although the two teams seemed to match each other defensively, the difference maker for Colby was getting the ball down low to Dan Civello and Jack Lawson. The latter had a special night as he surpassed 1,000 career points in his penultimate game for the Mules with a layup in the first half. The pair benefitted from Colby's quick ball movement around the perimeter, creating gaps in Trinity's defense. Civello had 11 of his 13 points in the first half when the Mules relied on his presence in the paint, also grabbing 8 rebounds on the night. 

The second half opened up a bit more offensively, allowing both teams to slow down and control the game. Although Colby was trailing, they seemed confident and had a good shot selection, especially Max Poulton. After a Luka Doncic-esque one-handed three-pointer to end the half, Poulton went off for 16 points, shooting 4-4 from beyond the arc. Sam Hinman and Marcos Montiel also buried a triple of their own, forcing Trinity to contest Colby on the perimeter, which yet again opened up space down low. Lawson capitalized on this with a huge put-back dunk midway through the half, making his presence known. 

In the end, the Mules lost in a tight game where their performance would've bested most of the other NESCAC teams. Their versatility and ability to stay in tension-packed games is impressive and will be dangerous for other teams if they were to make the NESCAC conference tournament.

The Mules are back in action tomorrow, hosting #1 ranked Wesleyan on senior night at 3 pm.