The Middlebury men's basketball team fell behind early and could not overcome Brandeis as the Judges secured a 93-81 triumph over the Panthers. 
 
HIGHLIGHTS

• Middlebury got out to a quick start, taking a 4-0 edge at the 18:53 mark on a jumper from Sam Stevens.
• The visitors responded with a 13-4 run over the ensuing 2:44 of action, highlighted by eight points from Matthew Cadogan for a 13-8 lead. 
• Middlebury cut the deficit to two (15-13) on a jumper from Evan Flaks at the 14:56 mark.
• Brandeis answered and slowly extended its advantage, taking a commanding 55-30 lead at the halftime break. 
• The teams traded baskets for most of the opening 10 minutes of the second half, with neither able to shake the other.
• With 7:06 left on the clock, Middlebury tallied 10 unanswered points over just 1:11 of action. The span was fueled by a three-pointer from Edward Witherington to cut the Judge's lead down to 76-64. 
• Brandeis responded with a 5-0 burst with all points coming from Toby Harris for an 81-64 advantage with just over five minutes to go.
• The Panthers would not go away, rattling off eight consecutive points to cut the deficit down to single digits (81-72) with 3:37 showing on the clock. 
• That was as close as Middlebury could get, as the Judges secured the 93-81 win.  

NOTES

• Tristan Joseph led the Panthers with 22 points, marking the third-straight game that he tallied double digits. 
• Middlebury and Brandeis played for the 28th time.

The Panthers are back in action on Friday when they host the two-day Middlebury Invitational in Pepin Gymnasium. The squad opens the tournament with a 6:00 p.m. tip-off against Vassar, while SUNY Cortland and St. Joseph's (Maine) play at 4:00 p.m.