For the third consecutive week, Bates football had possession with a chance to win or tie at the end of regulation Saturday.

Again, the Bobcats couldn’t cash in. Justin Sanchez picked off Patrick Dugan with a minute to go, preserving Wesleyan’s 24-16 victory at Andrus Field in Middletown, Conn.

Bates (0-4) hasn’t beaten Wesleyan since 2005.

The Bobcats gave themselves a chance, first when Patrick Dugan hit Lani Eversage with a 5-yard touchdown, and then after they recovered the ensuing onside kick.

Dugan ran for 10 yards to the Wesleyan 30 on fourth-and-2 to extend the Bates rally, but Sanchez took it away on the next play, and the Cardinals ran out the clock.

Led by Brandon Williams’ two interceptions, Bates led 6-0 and 9-7 in the first half before Wesleyan took command.

Bates needed only four plays to score on its opening drive. Mickoy Nichol ran for 20 yards and Frank Williams picked up 41 to set up a 3-yard touchdown by Ivan Reese.

Grant DeWald’s extra point missed, although he atoned later with a go-ahead field goal.

Wesleyan (3-1) took its first lead with 10:43 remaining in the second quarter. Devon Carrillo completed a 4-yard touchdown pass to Dan Laorenza. Ike Fuchs’ point-after kick put the Cardinals in front.

Williams’ second interception of the day set up a 33-yard kick by DeWald with 3:52 to go in the half.

That advantage was short-lived, however. Gernald Hawkins found Mike Brueler in the end zone from 9 yards out with 33 seconds left in the half. Fuchs made it a 14-9 cushion.

Fuchs split the uprights from 21 yards for a 17-9 Wesleyan lead with 4:24 left in te third quarter.

Rob Manning saved a would-be touchdown by Bates, leading to a Wesleyan turnover on the next play to preserve the lead. Hawkins hit Lou Stevens for a 37-yard score to make it a two-possession game in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.

Dugan completed 14-of-30 for 204 yards. Mark Upton (14 tackles) and Williams (11) led the defense. Sam Francis had a sack, and Tucker Oniskey was part of three tackles for loss.

Stevens carried 12 times for a game-high 117 yards to lead Wesleyan.

koakes@sunjournal.com