HOUGHTON, N.Y.— The Highlanders went neck and neck with the Soaring Eagles of Elmira College in the second half of Tuesday night's game, staying on the heels of Elmira 42-41. Unfortunately, the high shooting percentages of the Soaring Eagles in the first half contributed greatly to the 86-76 Houghton loss.
The two teams did not waste any time for scoring opportunities. Just under 4 minutes into the game,
Brandon Camacho's (Dundee, NY, Dundee High School) 3-pointer gave the Highlanders a 10-9 run-lead.
Elmira continued to push forward and by successfully executing shots at the arc, the Soaring Eagles were able to take a 7 point lead. Unfortunately through continued success at the arc and at the free throw line, Elmira led the way 33-24.
Highlanders'
Tyler McQuaid (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian Academy) and
Johnathan Stowe (Toronto, ON, Canada, Don Mills Collegiate Institute) teamed up to get Houghton back on track, scoring a combined 5 consecutive points in 24 seconds. Regardless of McQuaid and Stowe's efforts, Elmira managed to take an 11 point lead.
Phil Pellegrino's (Rochester, NY, Brighton) jumper would close out the first half with a 44-35 Soaring Eagle lead.
At the start of the second half, Stowe played a huge role for Houghton in the 12-10 Highlander run-lead.
With the help of two 3-pointers, Elmira rallied 10 points consecutively, marking the biggest lead of the game thus far for the Soaring Eagles. Down 64-47, the Highlanders were able to work together to minimize the gap.
With just over 9 minutes remaining in the game, McQuaid and Pellegrino were able to regain their momentum to stay on the heels of Elmira 69-62. Unfortunately, the Soaring Eagles took matters back into their own hands with a 13 point lead.
Houghton and Elmira took turns scoring, allowing for the Highlanders to inch forward only minimally. The game ended with Elmira claiming the 86-76 win.
Stowe led the way offensively with 19 points. Camacho and McQuaid both earned 16 points on the night, followed by Pellegrino with 10 points.
The Highlanders finish their 2014-2015 season with an overall record of 5-20 while going 1-15 in the Empire 8 Conference.
