UTICA, N.Y. -- The Utica College Pioneer shot 65 percent from the field in the first half to grab a 50-27 halftime lead and cruised to an 82-62 win over Houghton College in Empire 8 men's basketball action on Friday.

While the Pioneers were hitting almost every shot they threw toward the basket, the Highlanders were struggling to produce anything on the offensive end, shooting just 29 percent from the field. It didn't help that Houghton's leading scorer and rebounder Johnathan Stowe (Toronto, ON, Canada, Don Mills Collegiate Institute) was on the bench nursing an injury. The Pioneers outscored Houghton 24-7 over the final nine minutes of the half.

The momentum continued in Utica's favor early in the second half, as the hosts extended their lead to as many as 36 points at the 10 minute mark. The Highlanders used a 13-0 run to trim the deficit to 23 with five minutes left and got as close as 18 in the final minute of play.

Utica's shooting cooled off a bit in the second half, as they finish with a 55 percent showing. They were equally hot from the long range, knocking down 7 of 14 on the night. Houghton hit 46 percent of their shots in the second half (36 percent for the game).

Tyler McQuaid (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian Academy) led the Highlanders with 10 points and six rebounds. John Nelson (Houghton, NY, Christian Academy in Japan) added nine points and six rebounds.

Houghton (5-9; 1-5 E8) is back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 20 at Ithaca in another E8 matchup.