BRUNSWICK, Maine — The Williams College men's basketball team battled throughout but came up short in a 66–56 loss to Bowdoin College on Saturday afternoon in NESCAC action at Morrell Gymnasium.
With the result, the Ephs move to 11–11 overall and 0–8 in conference play, while the Polar Bears improve to 15–7 and 5–3 in league competition.
The two teams traded baskets through a tightly contested first half, with neither side able to create significant separation. Williams continued to respond to Bowdoin scoring runs, and the Ephs closed the half strong to knot the score at 27–27 heading into the break.
In the second half, the Polar Bears began to pull away by hitting timely shots and controlling the pace. Williams continued to battle and generated momentum late, but the Polar Bears held firm in the closing minutes to seal the home win.
Hudson Hansen led Williams with 16 points, connecting on four field goals and adding seven made free throws.
Jackson Rein recorded a double-double with 11 points and a team-high 11 rebounds, while
Aidan Yates added eight points, including a pair of three-pointers.
Justin Belcher and
Matt DeVine each contributed six points, with Belcher also tallying seven rebounds and two assists.
Onyeraluobu Chibuogwu added five points to round out the Eph scoring.
As a team, the Ephs shot 35% from the field and 25% from three-point range, while going 8-for-12 at the free-throw line. Williams battled on the boards with 39 total rebounds and generated 10 points off turnovers in the effort.
Bowdoin was paced by Ray Cuevas' 21 points, with Mason Dawkins adding 12 and Benedek Maly contributing eight.
Williams returns home next weekend to host Hamilton and Amherst in the final regular-season games at Chandler Athletic Center.
