HOUGHTON, N.Y.— It was a close game this evening for the Women's Basketball team, losing 52-49 to the Panthers of the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford, in the final seconds of the game.

Just short of three minutes into the game was when the first basket was scored; a layup by Highlander Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian). The Highlanders and Panthers found themselves tied on 4 different occasions. Grace Bealor (Haddonfield, NJ, Haddonfield, HS) and Pipher continued to bring Houghton back to cancel out the score, until Houghton claimed a small gap—leading 18-14. A free throw from both Hannah Manwaring (Barton, NY, Tioga Central HS) and Emily Cronin (Franklinville, NY, New Life Christian), as well as a jumper by Pipher contributed to the lead.

With two minutes left in the first period, the Panthers tied the game 18-18, and then took the lead 1 minute 15 seconds later. With 15 seconds left in the first half, Houghton's Esther Webb (Houghton, NY, Fillmore Central HS) was able to tie the game with a layup of her own.

Pitt-Bradford took the lead at the very start of the second period. With a layup and a free throw by Webb, Houghton took the 23-22 lead. As the game progressed, the Highlanders found themselves trailing 30-25. A successful 3-point shot by Manwaring closed the gap 30-28. After a Panther layup, Manwaring answered back with 2 free throws.

After constant back and forth between layups and free throws, the two teams were tied 34-34. Pitt-Bradford got ahead and maintained the lead by 6 points, 41-35. The lead was threatened and overtaken by 8 consecutive points, compliments of Pipher; 3 layups and 2 free throws.
 
The Panthers increased their score to 49, while keeping the Highlanders at 45. Jumpers by both Hannah Fink (Coudersport, PA, Coudersport HS) and Pipher tied the game, yet again.
 
Tied 49-49 with 2 minutes 17 seconds left in the game, the two teams fought hard until the end. With 23 seconds left in the game, a Highlander fouls opened the door for two Panther free throws. Again with 5 seconds left, another Highlander foul allowed for another Pitt-Bradford free throw—confirming the 52-49 Houghton loss.
 
Pipher was credited with 21 points as well as going 3-5 at the free throw line. Bealor claimed 10 points on the evening, followed by Manwaring with 8 points. Manwaring also went 5-6 at the free throw line.
 
Houghton looks forward to their game on Saturday, November 29^th where they will play away at Geneva College with a start time of 4 p.m.