BRUNSWICK, Maine – The Bates College women's basketball team held off Bowdoin in a 61-56 decision to claim the 2026 NESCAC Championship on Sunday in Morrell Gymnasium. The Bobcats claim their second NESCAC crown and stand at 24-3 on the season while the Polar Bears fall to 24-2 on the year.
Both teams will await word on NCAA Tournament selections to be
announced on Monday at 2:30 p.m. at NCAA.com.
Game Highlights
- The game was tied after both the first quarter (16-16) and at halftime (31-31) as Bates connected on 54% from three-point range in the opening half.
- Bowdoin used a quick surge to take a four-point lead out of the break following a Jamie Yue three-pointer, but Bates closed the third quarter on a 9-2 run to take a 42-39 edge heading to the fourth.
- The Bobcats never relinquished the lead after that, and shot 55% in the fourth quarter (and 3-3 from three-point range) to hold off the Polar Bears.
By The Numbers
- The win avenges two regular season losses by Bates to Bowdoin and is the Bobcats' first win in six attempts against the Polar Bears in the NESCAC title game.
- Sarah Hughes scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Bobcats, who connected on 39% of their shots from the field in the game, including nine three-pointers.
- Bowdoin was able to only shoot 32% from the field in the contest.
- The Polar Bears were paced by 16 points from Grace Kinum, who also had ten rebounds.
- Abbie Quinn added 11 with five boards while Jamie Yue had seven points and five steals. Melissa Leone added ten points off the bench for the Polar Bears.
Up Next
- Bowdoin will learn their NCAA Tournament status on Monday afternoon with the Division III Tournament selection show at 2:30 p.m.
