The Middlebury men's basketball team opened NESCAC play at #6 Trinity on Friday night, falling by a score of 71-54.
 
HIGHLIGHTS

• The Bantams got out to a 5-0 edge, sparked by a three-pointer from Drew Lazarre with just 14 ticks off the clock.
• Nearly two minutes later, Edward Witherington sank back-to-back baskets as Middlebury gained a one-point lead with six unanswered points. 
• Trailing 13-12, Trinity responded with a 15-3 run, capped on a jumper from Jared Okorougo with 6:23 remaining, for a 27-16 advantage.
• A 4-0 spurt by the Panthers sliced the lead down to seven (27-20), but the Bantams wouldn't go away, tallying six of the final eight points of the half for a 33-22 advantage at the break.
• Trinity started the second stanza strong, rattling off a 17-6 run over the opening 8:19 for a 50-28 lead.
• Trailing 58-24, Middlebury responded with seven unanswered points, sparked by a three-pointer from Sam Stevens, to make it 58-41 with 6:48 remaining.
• The Bantams continued to pull away for the remainder of the half, easing to the 71-54 win. 

NOTES

• The programs played for the 73rd time.

The Panthers return to action on Saturday with a 3:00 p.m. contest against #9 Wesleyan.