The fifth-ranked Middlebury men's basketball team eased past Tufts 72-56 to claim its seventh-straight victory. Prior to the start of the contest, the Panthers honored seniors Nash Goldman, Peter Carlson, Lucas Shin, Alex Sobel and Thomas Zodda. 
 
HIGHLIGHTS

• The Jumbos tallied the first seven points of the game, and extended their lead to 17-4 on a three-pointer by Tyler Aronson at the 15:29 mark.
• Middlebury responded with a 13-2 run over the ensuing 4:41, cutting the deficit to 19-17 on a layup from Sobel.
• Knotted at 25 points apiece, the Panthers went on a 12-3 run sparked. Sam Stevens had five points during the span, including a dunk, as Middlebury took a 37-28 advantage with 2:33 remaining in the half.
• Tufts answered with a 6-2 spurt, closing to within five (39-34) at the break.
• The Panthers opened the second half with a decisive 13-3 run, capped by an old-fashioned three-point play by Charley Moore at the 11:50 mark to give Middlebury a 52-37 lead. 
• The hosts increased the lead to as many as 17 points (60-43) on a shot from beyond the arc by Jaden Bobbett with 8:34 left on the clock. 
• The Jumbos wouldn't go away, rattling off eight-unanswered points to cut the deficit down to single digits (60-51) with 6:16 left in the game.
• Middlebury was laser-focused down the stretch, converting 12 of 14 free throws for the 72-56 victory. 

NOTES

• Sobel tallied his 12th double-double of the season, recording 19 points and grabbing 10 boards. The senior now has 1,109 points which ranks 14th all-time at Middlebury. Sobel also blocked five shots during the game.
• Brennan was also in the double-digits in rebounding (10), marking the 10th occurrence this season.  

Head coach Jeff Brown was honored by the College Basketball Officiating Association with the prestigious Sam Schoenfeld Sportsmanship Award, presented annually to a college or university, its head coach, players, and spectators who best exemplify "the highest degree of sportsmanship, character, and ethics.