The Middlebury men's basketball team broke open a tight game in the second half with a 12-0 run, helping the Panthers (16-3, 6-1) post an 85-71 triumph over Connecticut College on Saturday. Middlebury returns to the court on February 5, hosting #20 Wesleyan at 4:00 p.m., while the Camels (8-7, 2-3) head to Bates the previous day for a 7:00 p.m. tip-off.

The game was close through the early stages of the first half with three ties in the initial five minutes. The Panthers claimed a 16-12 lead on a three-pointer by Nash Goldman with 12:23 on the clock, before the Camels used a 13-4 run, capped by a trey from Billy Whelan for a 25-20 cushion. The biggest advantage for the visitors came at 29-22 with 3:35 left in the frame, but Middlebury netted the final 10 points of the opening stanza for a 32-29 edge at the break. Noah Osher ended the half in exciting fashion, draining a long three-pointer.

The teams remained close in the second frame, with the Camels jumping back in front (45-43) on a shot from long range by Jarron Flynn. Middlebury gained control of the contest with a 12-0 run. Osher sandwiched three-pointers around conventional three-point plays from Sam Stevens and Alex Sobel for a 55-45 lead with 12:24 on the clock.
Connecticut College never got any closer than six points (57-51) the rest of the way. Twice the Panthers led by as many as 15 points and secured the game from the foul line, hitting 6-7 in the final minute.

Osher led all scorers with 28 points, going 6-10 from beyond the arc. Stevens posted his second double-double in as many days with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Sobel had another big game for the Panthers, recording his 14th double-double of the season with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while adding five blocked shots. Jaden Bobbett dished out a game-high six assists.

For the Camels, David Murray finished with 22 points and 10 boards, while Flynn and Ben Rice each reached double figures with 10 points apiece.
Middlebury shot 49.2 percent (29-59) from the floor, while holding the Camels to 42.3 percent (30-71).