Waterville, Maine - The Colby College Men's Basketball team opened its 2026–27 campaign with a hard-fought 88–78 victory over the University of Maine at Augusta at the Margaret M. Crook Center. In a fast-paced opener featuring nine ties and nine lead changes, the Mules established control through a relentless offensive attack and steady composure down the stretch. The effort delivered
David McLaughlin '97, the
Richard L. Whitmore Head Coach for Colby Men's Basketball, his first career victory at the helm of the Mules.
Colby built a narrow 44–40 lead by halftime and matched that exact 44-point production in the second half to turn back every comeback attempt by the visiting Moose.
Kalvin Catchings set the tone for the Colby offense, pouring in a game-high 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting while grabbing six rebounds. Colby demonstrated impressive offensive depth with four players scoring in double figures: Sam Hinman added 15 points—converting 7-of-8 free throws—while Jack Gatjanis posted a strong all-around line of 11 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Inside, Theo Pow anchored the front court with 10 points and six boards on 4-of-6 shooting, while floor general Mason Dobie facilitated the offense with a game-high six assists to go along with six rebounds and two steals.
The key difference in the contest was Colby's execution in high-traffic areas and efficiency from the charity stripe. The Mules outscored UMA 46–42 in the paint, dominated fast-break opportunities by a 21–11 margin, and won the battle on the boards 38–36. Furthermore, Colby's aggressive drives forced 23 UMA fouls, allowing the Mules to capitalize at the free-throw line where they shot 76.0% (19-of-25)—including a perfect 10-for-10 mark in the first half—to lock up a 1–0 start to the campaign.
Colby will be back in action Monday when they host Southern Maine.
