Bates (6-1) had eight players score between eight and 10 points in the game, led by the 10-point trio of sophomore Taryn O'Connell (Georgetown, Mass.), first-year Meredith Kelly (Cohasset, Mass.) and sophomore Brianna Hawkins (South Portland, Maine). Junior Lauren Dobish (Chambersburg, Pa.) and Kelsey Flaherty (South Portland, Maine) scored nine points apiece, while senior Jessie Igoe (Lexington, Mass.), first-year Susan Russell (Bethesda, Md.) and sophomore Allie Beaulieu (Swampscott, Mass.) tallied eight points each. Junior Annie Burns (Topsfield, Mass.) passed out eight assists, Dobish four. Igoe grabbed a team-high seven rebounds, while Beaulieu and Hawkins had six apiece.
The Bengals (0-4) were held to eight field goals on 56 attempts in the game (.143), in scoring the fewest points by a Bates opponent since UMaine-Presque Isle tallied 18 against Bates on Dec. 10, 2004, a Bobcats' team defensive record.
The 59-point margin of victory is Bates' largest since a 96-26 win over Newbury on Dec. 2, 2006.
UMFK turned the ball over 22 times and struggled with its transition defense, allowing Bates to score easily. Bates shot 47.9% from the field, while UMFK shot 14.3%.
Bates started the game off with a quick 10-2 run, scoring their points off early UMFK turnovers on the fast break. UMFK got in the paint and drew early fouls, but could not come through at the free throw line, starting the game 1-6. After 10 minutes of play, Bates led 22-3, and at halftime Bates lead 47-12.
In the second half, UMFK came out better defensively, stopping Bates from scoring easy buckets, but early fouls and turnovers kept them out of the game. UMFK had good shot opportunities, but struggled to convert them.
For UMFK, Maliesha Caesar scored seven points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Quintina Young was the next top scorer with six, on 1-of-14 shooting.
Bates next plays at Thomas College on Tuesday at 7 p.m.