HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Esther Webb (Houghton, NY, Fillmore Central HS) drained a jumper with one second remaining on the clock to finish her career with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over Alfred University on Thursday night, 54-52.
 
The senior Houghton native scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with career highs in both points (15) and rebounds (10), to collect the first double-double of her career.
 
The two teams battled throughout the first half, exchanging leads numerous times but neither team leading by more than four points at any time.  As they broke at the half, the score stood tied, 37-37.
 
Midway through the third quarter the Saxons built a five-point lead, but Houghton's sparkplug, Bailey Shattell, energized the team with a pair of layups to pull the Highlanders within two heading into the fourth.
 
Again AU pulled ahead, leading by five with as little as two minutes left to play. 
 
After sinking a pair of free throws, Brittany Lenart (Panama, NY, Panama HS) stole the inbounds pass, was fouled, and sank another free throw to bring the Highlanders to within two.
 
The Saxons converted on their next drive to go up by three, but Maisie Pipher (Lowman, NY, Twin Tiers Christian) drained a layup and Elle Reed (Sherman, NY, Sherman Central School) came up with a steal, drove the length of the court and put home the layup to give the Highlanders the lead.
 
With 15 seconds left on the clock, Sarah Kichman drove to the hoop and was fouled.  She would convert one of two to tie the score.
 
Houghton brought the ball up the floor and searched for options.  Alfred closed down the lanes until Webb broke to the top of the key to receive the pass, took a dribble then pulled up and sank the winning jumper.
 
 
Game Vitals:
      >Score:  Houghton College - 54   |   Alfred University - 52
      >Records:  Houghton College: 10-15 (4-12 Empire 8)   |   Alfred: 2-22 (1-14 Empire 8)
      >Venue: Nielsen Center, Houghton, NY    |    Attendance:
 
Clutch Performances:
The Highlanders:
      >In addition to Webb's outstanding performance, Reed scored 10 points and grabbed seven rebounds.
      >Pipher and Leslie Moose (Swain, NY, Canaseraga HS) collected nine and 10 rebounds apiece, respectively.
 
The Saxons:
      >Amanda Off collected 15 points and six rebounds.
      >Chanice Battle posted 10 points and eight rebounds.
 
       
Stat Analysis:
      >While Houghton held a slim advantage in turnovers (17-19), the Highlanders converted their turnovers into points at a higher rate (22-10).
      >The game saw seven lead changes and four ties.