ALFRED, N.Y. -- Houghton almost overcame a 13-point halftime deficit, but fell just short in an 82-77 loss at Alfred in E8 men's basketball action Friday night.

The Saxons led throughout the first half, pushing the lead to double digits by the midway point of the half and stretching the advantage to as many as 14. The hosts took a 48-35 lead into the locker room.

After Houghton trimmed the lead down to five over the first three minutes of the second half, the Saxons scored nine-straight points to go back up by 14 with 14:35 left. Still down 12 at the midway point of the half, the Highlanders mounted a comeback that brought them within four points with 7:03 remaining. Houghton would get as close as three down the stretch, but the Saxons got key free throws late to stop any Houghton momentum.

The Highlanders outscored the Saxons, 42-34, in the second half. Johnathan Stowe (Toronto, ON, Canada, Don Mills Collegiate Institute) scored 13 of his team-high 17 points after the break. He also pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds, while blocking three shots. Tyler McQuaid (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian Academy) added 13 points and Jordan Scott (Burlington, ON, Canada, Notre Dame Secondary) scored 11 off the bench.

Houghton (5-7; 1-3 E8) returns to action on Saturday as they travel to Elmira for a 4 p.m. contest.

Alfred improves to 9-3 overall and 3-1 in conference.