ALFRED, N.Y. – Laurie Call turned in a career-performance as the Houghton Highlanders capitalized on a tremendous second half to defeat the Alfred University Saxons, 69-51.
 
Call, a five-foot-five guard, has been a spark plug for the Highlanders since returning from an injury on New Year's Eve.  Known primarily for her defense and intensity, Call posted career highs in points (16), assists (6) and rebounds (7), and added three steals, too. 
 
Prior to tonight's contest, Call had not scored more than four points in a game, and had scored only 17 all season.
 
The Saxons appeared in control throughout the first half, forcing 11 Highlander turnovers while committing only six. 
 
Houghton, however, would temper their offensive woes in the second half and increase their defensive pressure.  In the final 20 minutes, the Saxons committed 16 turnovers as the Highlanders stormed back, outpacing their opponent, 45-21.
 
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 69| Alfred – 51
Records: Houghton:  9-9, 3-6 Empire 8 | Alfred: 2-15, 0-8 Empire 8
Venue: Terry S. Galanis Family Arena, Alfred University| Attendance: 116

Key Moments
>> Early in the third quarter the Saxons extended their lead to nine points.  The Highlanders, however, would respond with an 10-0 run, capped by a three and a layup from Call to give Houghton their first lead since the waning minutes of the first quarter.
 
>> The Highlanders would close the third quarter with an 8-2 run, as Madison Detwiler sank a layup with one second remaining on the clock to put Houghton up by six.
 
>> In the opening minutes of the final quarter the Saxons trimmed the Houghton lead to as few as four, but that would be as close as they would come. 
 
Back-to-back layups by Call would push the lead back to eight, and the Highlanders would continue to pull away.
 
Key Stats
>> Houghton drained four three-point shots in the second half (seven, overall), but also shot an impressive 17-of-21 (81 percent) from the free throw line.
 
>> The Highlanders outpaced the Saxons in points-off-turnovers, 24-11.

>> Not to be outdone, the Highlanders picked up tremendous efforts from numerous other players.  Hannah Manwaring played consistently throughout, posting 16 points, nine rebounds and four steals, while Detwiler collected 13 points and four steals. 
 
>> Elle Reed and Leslie Moose both chipped in nine points apiece.
 
>> Jamie Wilcox scored a game-high 20 points for the Saxons.
 
Next Time Out
The Highlanders return to action next Friday, February 3, when they host the Hartwick Hawks at the Nielsen Center.  Tip-off time is slated for 6:00 p.m.
 
The Hawks defeated the Highlanders, 69-66, in a thrilling overtime matchup earlier this season in Oneonta.