Tufts University jumped out to an early double-digit lead and the Jumbos went on to a 55-45 NESCAC win against the Hamilton College Continentals at Tufts' Cousens Gym on Friday night.

Hamilton's record slipped to 6-6 overall and 0-2 in the conference. The Continentals shot 28.6 percent from the floor and went 9-for-18 at the free-throw line. Hamilton travels to Bates College for another NESCAC game on Saturday, Jan. 15 at 3 p.m.

The Jumbos – ranked ninth in the D3hoops.com poll and 10^th in the coaches poll – moved to 11-1 overall and 2-0 in the conference. Tufts led 12-1 midway through the first quarter.

Emily Hall '24 was the only Continental who scored in double figures with a season-high 13 points. Hall, who played 31 minutes off the bench, also handed out three assists. Katie Hansen '24 grabbed a team-best seven rebounds in a reserve role.

Molly Ryan led the Jumbos with 12 points. Maggie Russell posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards, and Callie O'Brien also scored 10 points.

Tufts led 15-9 after one quarter and 29-24 at the half. Hamilton actually tied the score with a 9-0 run midway through the second quarter. Hall hit a jumper, Tessa Cole '25 drained a 3-pointer and Hall made a free throw. Hall's old-fashioned 3-point play with 3:20 left drew the Continentals even at 20-20.

Hamilton scored the first basket of the third quarter to get within three, but the Jumbos went back up by 11 late before they settled for a 43-34 advantage after three. The Continentals didn't get closer than eight points in the fourth quarter. A 3-pointer by Ryan gave Tufts its largest lead of 16 points at 54-38 with 4:42 remaining.