BUFFALO, N.Y. – The Houghton Highlanders withstood a furious comeback by the D'Youville Spartans over the final four-and-a-half minutes of play, holding on for the victory, 78-76.
 
After trailing by seven points early in the second half, the Highlanders utilized a 21-4 run to build a 15-point lead heading into the final minutes.
 
The Spartans turned to freshman guard Simeon Heard, who had not scored until that point in the game.  Over the closing minutes, D'Youville outscored the Highlanders 22-8, all hoisted by Heard.  During the run the freshman went 6-of-6 from the field, including 4-of-4 from three-point range, and 6-of-6 from the free throw line.
 
With only two seconds remaining, Heard nailed his fourth three-pointer, cutting the Houghton lead to one.  But the Spartans called timeout when they had none remaining, drawing a team technical foul and giving Houghton a free throw at the other end of the court.  Dylan Lambert sank the shot, and the Spartans were unable to find the basket again.
 
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 78 | D'Youville – 76
Records: Houghton:  5-4 | D'Youville: 3-7
Venue: College Center Gym, D'Youville College | Attendance: 75

Key Stats
>> Houghton owned the glass, outrebounding D'Youville, 46-32, and holding a 42-28 advantage in points scored in the paint.
 
>> While both teams displayed similar shooting percentages from the floor (44 percent for Houghton, 42 percent for D'Youville), the Spartans 11-of-34 three-point shots while the Highlanders made only 2-of-17 from beyond the arch. 

>> Once again Houghton's bench played a vital role, outscoring the Spartan bench, 17-9.

>> Lambert led the Highlanders in scoring for the fifth time this season, posting 21 points and nine rebounds.
 
>> Johnathan Stowe collected his third consecutive, and fifth of the season, double-double, collecting 14 points and season-high 16 boards.
 
>> Mike Clark and Phil Pellegrino tallied 15 and 12 points apiece, respectively, while Jordan Scott added 12 points and five steals for the Highlanders.
 
Coach's Corner:
"We did a great job of keeping our composure in a wild game.  We executed our defensive game plan well, and had some key rebounds down the stretch.
 
"D'Youville is a feisty team and had some great runs late.  We were able to execute well at crunch time to maintain our lead.
 
"Jordan Scott did an excellent job of recognizing D'Youville's changing defenses and keeping us under control.  Johnathan Stowe was an anchor on the boards, and clutch down the stretch.
 
"Dylan Lambert and Phil Pellegrino had some timely buckets, and Mike Clark was again a great spark plug off the bench.  He gives us another gear when he is on the floor." – Coach Corky McMullen
 
Next Time Out
The Highlanders open Empire 8 Conference play on Friday, January 6 when they host the St. John Fisher Cardinals.  Tip-off is slated for 8:00 p.m., following the women's contest between the same schools.