HOUGHTON, N.Y.— Although the Men's Basketball team was able to stay on the heels of Alfred University in the latter half of Saturday afternoon's game, the Highlanders' 9 point deficit from the first half contributed to the 75-64 Saxon victory.

The two teams did not waste any time scoring; tied 12-12 nearly 5 minutes into the game. A 3-pointer by Phil Pellegrino (Rochester, NY, Brighton) gave the Highlanders a 1 point lead. After a 13-2 Alfred run lead, Houghton found themselves down 10 points with just under halfway through the first period complete. Although the two teams took turns scoring, the Saxons managed to inch up even more to take a 13 point, 37-24 lead.

Brandon Camacho's (Dundee, NY, Dundee High School) 3-pointer sparked a 7 point Highlander rally. Alfred closed out the first half with a 9 point lead.

Tyler McQuaid (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian Academy) came up big for Houghton at the start of the start of the second period, executing a 3-point shot and layup. Camacho followed suit with a 3-pointer of his own, 5 minutes into the half. Driving hard to the basket, Brennen Campbell (Perry, NY, Perry Central) produced back to back Highlander layups. Despite Campbell's efforts, the Saxons took a 17 point lead with 9:22 left on the clock.

Down 67-53, Houghton gave up a 7 point rally. With just over 2 minutes remaining in the game, the Highlanders had a big rally of their own by scoring 11 points consecutively. Unfortunately Houghton ran out of time, giving Alfred the 75-64 conference win.

Camacho earned 19 points on the night followed by Pellegrino 14 points and 3 steals. Campbell and McQuaid contributed with 7 points each.

The Highlanders (5-16,1-12) are back in action on Wednesday, February 11^th where they play away against Hilbert College at 8:00 p.m.