For the fourth straight year, the matchup, the winner and the emphatic statement of dynastic postseason dominance were exactly the same.
When the Bowdoin Polar Bears claimed their sixth consecutive NESCAC Tournament title with a 68-58 win over runner-up Bates on Sunday, only the location was different. The title was the first not won in the friendly confines of Morrell Gym, as a regular-season 56-51 loss to Bates gave the Bobcats the tournament's top seed and hosting privileges.
After a lifeless offensive start from both teams, the second-seeded Polar Bears overcame a 26-19 halftime deficit to end the Bobcats' season and their 23-game home win streak. Sophomore Marisa Berne scored 18 points and junior Julia Loonin added 17 - all in the second half - to lead four Bowdoin players in double digits.
Sophomore Sarah Barton led the Bobcats with 15 points and seven assists, and despite limited minutes due to foul trouble, standout junior Meg Coffin put in a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds. But neither was enough as top-seeded Bates fell to the Polar Bears in the league's biggest rivalry and a rematch of the 2005 title game.
The Polar Bears have won the tournament every year since its inauguration in the 2000-2001 season. During that time, they have turned their five automatic NCAA bids into a Sweet Sixteen appearance, three Elite Eight showings, and a Final Four spot in 2004.
