UTICA, N.Y. -- Houghton women's basketball fell to 0-6 in the Empire 8 Conference after a 65-45 loss at Utica on Friday.

The Highlanders suffered through a seven-minute scoreless drought midway through the first half that allowed the Pioneers to take control. Utica led 34-16 at the half. Houghton shot just 27 percent from the field and turned the ball over 15 times in the opening 20 minutes.

The second half saw a better performance from the Highlanders, who shot 39 percent from the floor and were outscored 31-29.

Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian) finished with game-highs of 18 points and 12 rebounds for her 10th double-double of the season. Christel Enriquez-Fisher (Colorado Springs, CO, William Mitchell HS) added 10 points and six rebounds. 

Houghton finished with a 44-40 edge in rebounds.

The Highlanders (3-11; 0-6 E8) are back in action on Tuesday, Jan. 20 when they travel to Ithaca for a 6 p.m. contest.