POTSDAM, N.Y. – The Houghton women's basketball team suffered its fourth loss of the season on Saturday afternoon as the Highlanders fell 71-67 at Clarkson University.
 
The Highlanders came out strong leading by as much as six-points to start the first quarter. At the 2:37 mark, however, the Golden Knights went on to outscore Houghton and grabbed a seven-point lead, 20-13, to end the first quarter.
 
The Golden Knights added to their lead by 10 points as the Highlanders fought for a comeback in the second quarter. With a pair of free-throws by Houghton's junior forward Amber Edwards, the Highlanders came within two-points, 32-30, going into halftime.
 
Clarkson remained on top the entire third quarter, but it was not without a fight from Houghton. The Highlanders slowly chipped away at the Golden Knight's lead. With 40 seconds left in the quarter, Brittany Lenart tied the game with a layup, 49-49, but not for long. The Golden Knights took back the lead to end the third quarter, 50-49.
 
It was not until the 7:36 mark of the fourth quarter that the Highlanders were able to take back the lead, 57-56. From then on, the lead went back-and forth until the score was tied 65-65 at the 2:22 mark. Both teams were scoreless for two minutes when Clarkson's Molly Stewart drained a three pointer with 24 seconds left on the clock. Houghton's Brittany Lenart answered back with an uncontested layup to bring the Highlanders within one point but the effort was not enough for a victory. Clarkson was able to tally four points from the free throw line to end the game, 71-67.

GAME VITALS                           
Score: Houghton – 67 | Clarkson – 71
Records: Houghton – 4-4 | Clarkson – 5-4
Venue: Alumni Gymnasium, Potsdam, N.Y. | Attendance: 112
  
NOTABLE STATS
>> Lenart and Edwards were the game's leading scorers with 12 points each, while two different Highlanders also scoring in double figures.
 
>> The Highlanders shot 50% from the field (27-for-54) and a season high of 83.3% (10-for-12) from the stripe.
 
>> The Golden Knights were able to take care of the ball with only 9 turnovers in contrast to Houghton's 16.
 
>> Madison Shea and Devin Sorell notched 15 points each as the Golden Knights leading scorers.

COACH'S CORNER
"Our team showed a lot of resilience today. We were caught early in foul trouble and Clarkson went on a run early in the second quarter. Our ladies battled hard to shift the momentum back in our direction cutting it to two at half. We played more composed second half on the offensive end with several contributions on the squad, which I am thrilled with.

The key for us being in the game late had everything to do with a spark on defense by Laura Call. She lifted her team to a higher level of play to bring us within two and a chance to tie it in the last seconds of the game.
 
We all wish the result was different, but it was a very good game. We were a bit dry from behind the arc tonight. Would have liked to get to the free throw line a bit more, but these things didn't faze us.

Our team showed some toughness, grit and determination. We played with purpose, showed a ton of heart and were ready to compete today.  I'm proud of our team and their efforts.  It's an absolute privilege to coach these girls. They are an incredible group. We will learn from this game and be even more ready the next time they tie up their laces." –Coach Alicia Mucher

UP NEXT
Check back in after Christmas on Saturday, December 30^th, as the Highlanders take on Grove City College. Tip-off is set for 2PM inside the Nielsen Center