MEADVILLE, PA— The Stevenson Mustangs handed the Houghton Highlanders their first loss of the season on Saturday afternoon, 78-55, to wrap up the weekend's tournament at Allegheny College
 
The Mustangs led by as many as nine early in the first half, but the Highlanders pulled within two points with five minutes remaining before the break.  Stevenson, however, closed out the half on an 11-3 run, taking an eight point lead into the locker room.
 
Houghton would come as close as five points in the second half, but the Mustangs continued to pull away down the stretch, relying on the hot hand of Kyle Woodrich, who scored 14 points in the second half.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 55 | Stevenson – 78   
Records: Houghton: 2-1 | Stevenson – 2-0
Venue: The David V. Wise Center, Allegheny College | Attendance: 145

NOTABLE STATS
>> Turnovers played a vital role in the game as the Highlanders gave the ball away 18 times while the Mustangs committed had only eight giveaways. 
>> Houghton shot only 33 percent from the floor, sinking eight baskets in the first half and nine in the second.  Stevenson shot 45 percent from the floor, including 40 percent (12-of-30) from three-point range.
>> Dylan Lambert collected his second consecutive double-double for the Highlanders, posting 16 points and 12 rebounds.
>> Antonio Deadmon added 13 points and five assists.
>> Danzel Wright led the Mustangs with 22 points while Woodridge and Keith Moody added 17 and 10 points apiece, respectively.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"It was a great effort from our guys today.  We competed for 40 minutes and had some chances to make it interesting.
 
"Hats-off to Stevenson and Coach Stewart.  They are a very good basketball team.  Their athleticism and explosiveness gave us some problems.
 
"We did a pretty good job in the gaps and contained the bounce for the most part.  At the end of the day, they made more shots when it counted.
 
"Danzel Wright is a very talented player.  He was hard to contain and made some big plays at key moments.
 
"We got some good minutes from everyone and I'm proud of how we competed.  We're excited to put our hard hats back on come Monday.
 
"I'd also like to add a special thanks to our parents and fans that made the trip to support us this weekend.  That means a lot to our players and our program." –Coach Corky McMullen
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will play their home opener on Tuesday night, when they take on the Hilbert Hawks at 6:00 p.m. at the Nielsen Center.  Last season the Hawks rolled to a 15 point victory, 84-69.