CANTON, N.Y. -- Despite reaching 96 points and putting five players in double figures, Houghton men's basketball found themselves on the short end of a 107-96 loss at SUNY Canton on Saturday.

The first half went back and forth and remained closed on the scoreboard throughout the 20 minutes. SUNY Canton clung to a 42-41 lead at the break. Johnathan Stowe had 12 points and eight rebounds to lead the Highlanders.

Antonio Deadmon (Dallas, TX, Texas Southern) put the Highlanders up 44-42 to start the second half and the next few minutes of the game saw six lead changes and three ties. Up 69-67 with 10 minutes to play, the Roos went on a 9-1 run over the next two minutes to gain control of the contest. The lead stayed between eight and 13 points the rest of the way.

The big story in the second half -- and for the game -- was the fouls as the teams combined for 67 fouls and 97 free throw attemps. The Highlanders finished the night 29 for 39 at the charity stripe, while the Roos converted 39 of 58.

Stowe finished with 22 points and a career-high 19 rebounds to lead Houghton. Brennen Campbell (Perry, NY, Perry Central) scored all 19 of his points in the second half. Tyler McQuaid (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian Academy) added 13 points, Deadmon scored 11, while Frank Bushen (Rochester, NY, SUNY Potsdam) poured in 10 off the bench.

The Highlanders (3-3) are back in action on Saturday, Dec. 13 when they host Alfred State.