The eighth-ranked Middlebury men's basketball team used a big size advantage to block 10 shots and hold Colby College to 26 percent shooting in the game as the Panthers took a 73-52 road win in NESCAC play Friday night at Wadsworth Gymnasium. The Panthers move to 17-1 overall and 5-1 in the NESCAC, while Colby falls to 10-11 overall and 1-5 in conference play. Middlebury plays at Bowdoin on Saturday at 2 p.m., while Colby entertains fourth-ranked Williams at the same time.

The game was tied 2-2 when Middlebury went on a 16-0 run for an 18-2 margin. Ryan Sharry scored seven points during the run that ended at the 11:17 mark. The Panthers extended the lead to 30-8 before settling for a 42-17 halftime margin. Colby got as close as 17 points in the second half at 45-28 before the Panthers once again pulled away.

Ryan Wholey had a team-high 15 points for Middlebury. Sharry had a double-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds, and added three assists, two blocks, and two steals in just 19 minutes. Andrew Locke finished with 10 points and a game-high four blocked shots.

Christian Van Loenen finished with a game-high 22 points for the Mules. Mike Russell added 10 points and a game-high 17 rebounds (12 offensive). 

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