HOUGHTON, N.Y. – While the Houghton Highlanders battled hard throughout, they were unable to overcome a sizable halftime deficit, falling to the Utica Pioneers, 71-59.
 
The Highlanders outscored the Pioneers in the second half, 33-31, but seven first-half turnovers and poor defensive execution put Utica up by 14 at the break.
 
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 59 | Utica – 71
Records: Houghton: 8-14 (3-10 Empire 8) | Utica: 7-15 (7-6 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College| Attendance: 236

Key Moments
>> Dylan Lambert hit a runner in the lane to pull the Highlanders within two with just over seven minutes remaining in the first half, but the Pioneers closed out the opening period with a 12-2 run to take a comfortable lead into the locker room.
 
>> Just five minutes into the second half a three-point play by Ivan Iton put the Pioneers up by 20.
 
>> The Highlanders showed signs of life late, as Phil Pellegrino scored 10 straight points, but Houghton could draw no closer than 12 points as the Pioneers fended off a late rally attempt.
 
Key Stats
>> Pellegrino scored 23 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Lambert collected 17 points, seven rebounds and three assists for the Highlanders.
 
>>Hunter Remley helped lead the Pioneers with 17 points and five rebounds, while Iton posted 15 points and nine rebounds.

Coach's Corner
"We battled in the second half, but we didn't execute well in the first half, and we were flat defensively.  That allowed Utica to get a sizeable lead at half
 
"We go outworked on the glass and had only 11 assists on the night, which is an indication of our poor execution.  Those are bad combinations.
 
"We'll regroup and come back ready to play hard tomorrow." –Coach Corky McMullen
 
Next Time Out
The Highlanders are right back at it tomorrow, returning to the Nielsen Center to take on the Stevens Institute of Technology Ducks at 4:00 p.m.  The Ducks defeated the Highlanders earlier this season, 48-83.