The fourth-seeded Middlebury women's basketball team dropped an 87-75 decision to fifth-seeded Bates (15-7) on Saturday afternoon in the NESCAC Quarterfinals in Pepin Gym. The Panthers conclude their season with a 12-11 record, while the Bobcats will play in a NESCAC Semifinal next weekend.

Tied at 7-7 with 6:10 left in the opening quarter, Bates outscored Middlebury 25-2 over the remainder of the stanza for a 32-9 advantage at the end of the frame. Briana Roy scored 16 points for the visitors during the run. 

The Panthers slowly chipped away at the deficit in the second stanza, cutting it to 42-31 on a jumper by Alexa Mustafaj in the final seconds before halftime.

Following the break, the Bobcats maintained their double-digit lead for much of the third quarter. Trailing 54-42 near the midway point of the frame, Middlebury rattled off the next seven points, pulling to within 54-49 on a jumper from Mustafaj with 2:15 left. Bates ended the stanza with an 8-3 spurt, capped on a jumper by Roy, for a 62-52 edge going into the fourth.

The Bobcat lead grew to 68-52 on a three by Roy with 7:50 remaining. The Panthers responded with a 10-0 run spanning 3:01 of action, capped on a running jumper by Mustafaj, to move within 68-62. Bates possessed a 75-69 advantage with 1:35 left, converting 10-of-10 free throws over the final minute en route to the 87-75 victory.

Mustafaj paced Middlebury with 27 points and four assists, while Augusta Dixon chipped in with 16 points and Gianna Palli added 13. Bethany Lucey had a near double-double with nine points and a team-best nine rebounds. Emily Downer tacked on six points, five rebounds and a game-high four blocked shots.

Bates was led by Roy's game-high 35 points and six assists. Brianna Gadaleta posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 boards, while Meghan Graff had 12 points, seven rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Morgan Kennedy had 12 points, while Ariana Dalia tallied 11 points and 12 caroms.