HOBOKEN, N.J. -- The Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks jumped out to a 9-0 lead, withstood a Houghton comeback in the first half, and grabbed a 68-42 win in Empire 8 women's basketball action on Saturday afternoon.

After falling behind 9-0 in the first two minutes of the contest, the Highlanders responded with an 11-4 run to pull back within two points (13-11) at the 12:52 mark. The Ducks slowly regained control and finished the half on a 21-6 run to take a 34-17 lead into the locker room.

The Ducks' advantage bounced between 15 and 24 points for most of the second half as the Highlanders struggled to convert on the offensive end. Houghton shot just 23 percent from the field on the day.

Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian) led Houghton with 15 points and 16 rebounds. It was her seventh double-double of the season. Hannah Manwaring (Barton, NY, Tioga Central HS) added 10 points, while Christel Enriquez-Fisher (Colorado Springs, CO, William Mitchell HS) added four points and 11 rebounds.

Houghton (3-7; 0-2 E8) hosts Nazareth in Empire 8 action on Tuesday, Jan. 6.