Bates 82, University of New England 59
at Biddeford, Maine

WALKER, LAPOINTE LEAD BATES MEN PAST UNE

BIDDEFORD, Maine -- All five starters scored in double figures as the Bates College men's basketball team used a 12-0 run early in the second half to break open a close game and cruise to an 82-59 non-conference victory over the University of New England Nor'easters Monday evening in Biddeford.

Leading 41-30 at the half, the Bobcats (3-3) saw UNE (0-4)open the second stanza on an 8-2 run to pull within five at 43-38. At that point, sophomore Matt LaPointe (Beverly, Mass.) scored six of his career-high 19 points during the Bobcats' 12-point run to help put the game away. LaPointe also added eight assists for the game.

Joining LaPointe in double figures was junior Ed Walker (Roxbury, Mass.) who had 19 points and 13 rebounds, one shy of his career-high 14, set Feb. 2, 1999 against Maine-Farmington. Walker reached his double-double by halftime, with 15 points and 10 boards in the first.

Junior Billy Hart (Haverhill, Mass.) chipped in with 13 points, senior Rommel Padonou (Liberville, Gabon) had 12 points and 10 boards, while sophomore C.J. Neely (North Easton, Mass.) added 11 points.

The Nor'easters were led by junior Ricky Sirois (Saco, Maine), who tallied 16 points. Senior Paul Clark (Middlebury, Conn.) netted 11.