CANTON, N.Y. – Dylan Lambert sank eight straight free throws and scored 10 points in the final four minutes, and Phil Pellegrino knocked down four three pointers in the second half as the Houghton Highlanders staged a second half comeback victory over the host SUNY Canton Roos, 86-79.
 
Houghton overcame a five point halftime deficit and trailed the Roos by as many as eight points early in the second half before finding an offensive rhythm and tightening their defense down the stretch.
 
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 86 | SUNY Canton – 79
Records: Houghton: 3-4 | SUNY Canton: 4-4
Venue: Stan Cohen Court/Roos House, SUNY Canton| Attendance: 767

Key Moments
>> After leading through the first ten minutes, SUNY Canton staged a 15-0 run over a four minute stretch to put the Roos up by nine.  A Pellegrino three, followed by a Jordan Scott layup and another three by junior-transfer Mike Clark brought the Highlanders back into contention.
 
Canton eventually closed the half with a free throw and a layup to take a five-point lead into the locker room.
 
>> Down by three late in the second half, a three-pointer by Clark, and another by Pellegrino put the Highlanders up by three.
 
After Canton tied the score at 71-71, Lambert sank two free throws, Clark came up with a clutch steal and a layup, and Pellegrino started closing the door with another three.  The Roos would come no closer than five points over the remaining minutes.
 
Key Stats
>> Houghton held SUNY Canton to just under 37 percent shooting (14-38) in the second half, while shooting 50 percent themselves.  After shooting 80 percent (8-10) from the line in the first half, Canton made just 33 percent (4-12) in the second half.
 
>> Pellegrino finished his night with a team-high 26 points, 16 of which he scored in the second half.

>> Lambert scored 14 in the second half to finish with 21 total points.  He also added eight rebounds, three assists and three steals.

>> Clark chipped in 18 points and four steals.
 
>> Senior Johnathan Stow posted his third double-double of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
 
>> Fellow-senior John Nelson, although he scored only two points, turned in a tremendous all-around performance, collecting 11 rebounds, seven assists and two blocked shots.
 
>> Romario Fletcher and Rashad Richardson both turned in double-doubles for the Roos.  Both players grabbed 13 rebounds, and Fletcher scored 20 points while Richardson scored 13.  Adrian Williams also scored 20 points for Canton.

Next Time Out
Taking time off for final exams and the Christmas holiday, the Highlanders will not return to action until December 31, when they host the University of Pittsburgh-Bradford.  Tip-off time is slated for 4:00 p.m.