HOUGHTON, N.Y. – After an impressive performance in the first quarter, the Houghton Highlander offense slowed in the second, then stalled in the third, as the women fell to visiting Clarkson University on Saturday afternoon, 64-51.
 
The Highlanders sank four-of-six three pointers in the first ten minutes, but the Golden Knights responded with an early 13-0 run in the second, and then outscored the Highlanders 16-4 in the third.
 
Houghton made only one field goal in the third—a three-pointer by Cori Beck—and a free throw by Madison Detwiler, shooting on seven percent from the floor (1-14).  The team also committed 23 turnovers, while Clarkson gave the ball away only 14 times.
 
While the Highlanders battled back in the final quarter, outscoring the Golden Knights, 19-16, the comeback ultimately fell short.
 
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 51 | Clarkson – 64
Records: Houghton: 5-3 | Clarkson: 5-4
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 103

Key Moments
>> Elle Reed scored nine points in the first quarter, knocking down three consecutive three-point attempts to put the Highlanders up by four.  Early foul trouble for Reed, Houghton's leading scorer, put the Highlanders in a tough spot.
 
>> Down by seven in the second, Alyssa Pascoe converted a three-point play, and after a Clarkson basket Madison Detwiler sank a jumper to bring the Highlanders within four at the break.
 
>> After Beck hit a three early in the third, the Golden Knights went on a 14-1 run for the remainder of the quarter.
 
Clarkson led by as many as 18 in the fourth, before Houghton began to climb back into contention.  With 1:46 remaining on the clock Hannah Manwaring drained a three and moments later Beck sank a free throw to cut the lead to nine.
 
After a Clarkson turnover it looked like the Highlander might threaten down the stretch, but a Highlander turnover allowed the Golden Knights to play the foul-shooting game, maintaining their comfortable lead for the victory.
 
Key Stats
>> Clarkson shot over 50 percent in both the second and third quarters.

>> The Golden Knights outscored the Highlanders on points-off-turnovers, 26-8.

>> Manwaring led the Highlanders with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists.
 
>> Beck collected nine points, eight rebounds and six assists.
 
>> Madison Shea led the Golden Knights with 16 points, five assists and four steals.

Next Time Out
Houghton takes the next three weeks off for final exams and the Christmas holiday before returning to the Nielsen Center on Saturday, December 31 to take on the Medaille College Mavericks at 2:00 p.m.  The Highlanders and Mavericks have not played before this season.