HOUGHTON, N.Y. – The St. John Fisher Cardinals sank a clutch three-pointer to finish the first half with a two-point lead, then continued to pull away in the second twenty minutes, defeating the Houghton Highlanders in both teams' Empire 8 opener, 70-80.
 
The Cardinals utilized runs of 7-2 and 9-2 down the stretch to build their lead, while the Highlanders shooting got colder.   After shooting 50 percent from the floor in the first half, Houghton knocked down only 33 percent of its shots in the second.
 
While the Highlanders fought hard and hung around to the end, they could not find the equalizer as Fisher executed continuously throughout the second half.
 
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 70 | St. John Fisher – 80
Records: Houghton: 5-5 (0-1 Empire 8) | St. John Fisher: 6-4 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 138

Key Moments
>> Fisher built a quick lead early in the first before Houghton fought their way back into contention.  Just over seven minutes into the game, Phill Pellegrino nailed a three to give the Highlanders their first lead.  Mike Clark quickly followed with a layup and a three-point play to put Houghton up by six.
 
>> The Highlanders led by as many as nine, following another Pellegrino three just over the mid-way point in the first half.  But Fisher quickly countered, draining a three before the half to give them the lead.
 
Key Stats
>> Fisher utilized their deep bench to perfection, outscoring the Highlanders' subs, 29-12.  Nine Cardinals played double-digit minutes, while none played more than 30.

>> The Cardinals also owned the paint, outscoring the Highlanders, 42-30, inside the key, and narrowly winning the battle of the boards, 38-34.  But perhaps more importantly, Fisher put Houghton big-man, Johnathan Stowe, in foul trouble early.  Stowe, who entered the night averaging 13.9 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, played only 14 minutes, collecting only two points and two rebounds.

>> Pellegrino shot 9-of-16 from the floor for 24 points to lead the Highlanders.
 
>> Clark scored 17 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists.
 
>> Ryan Henderson led the Cardinals with 16 points and nine rebounds.

Coach's Corner
"Our guys fought really hard tonight.  We executed well in the first half, but could have been better in the second half.
 
"Phil Pellegrino hit some big shots and carried us throughout the game.  He and Mike Clark allowed us to hang around in the second half. 
 
"Give credit to St. John Fisher.  They are a well-coach team that did what they do very well.  Their big man [Keegan Ryan] is a handful, and they executed very well." –Coach Corky McMullen

Next Time Out
The Highlanders return to action tomorrow afternoon, as they host another top-tier Empire 8 opponent, Nazareth College.  Tip-off is slated for 4:00 p.m.