ITHACA, N.Y. – The Ithaca Bombers hit 17 three-pointers, including 11 in the second half, as they defeated the Houghton Highlanders on Thursday night, 105-73.
 
The Bombers took an eight point lead into the half before exploding for 62 points in the second half, knocking down 64 percent of their shots from the floor and 58 percent from beyond the three point arc. 
 
Phil Pellegrino scored 15 points for the Highlanders, including eight in the final three minutes, leaving him one point shy of 1,000 for his career heading into the team's final contest of the season on Saturday.
 
Game Vitals
Score: Houghton – 73 | Ithaca – 105
Records: Houghton: 9-15 (4-11 Empire 8) | Ithaca: 9-16 (5-11 Empire 8)
Venue: The Hill Center – Ben Light Gymnasium, Ithaca College | Attendance:204

Key Moments
>> With under five minutes to play in the first half, Samuel Ortega drained a three-pointer and Johnathan Stowe sank a free throw that gave the Highlanders a one-point lead.  The Bombers, however, would answer with a 12-2 run that put them up by nine.
 
>> Ithaca came out of the shoots at a sprint in the second half, extending their lead to 19 points within the first five minutes, and 26 points by the 10 minute mark.
 
Key Stats
>> Ithaca picked up 56 points off the bench, playing only two players more than 20 minutes.  While only three players scored double-digit points, 13 players found their way into the scorer's column.

>> Houghton committed 13 turnovers while the Bombers gave the ball away only six times.

>> Stowe picked up his 12^th double-double of the season, scoring 18 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.  Dylan Lambert continued his steady play, adding 18 points, three rebounds and four assists.
 
>> Riley Thompson led the Bombers with 23 points in 22 minutes of play.  Matt Flood and Joey Flanagan chipped in 16 and 15 points apiece, respectively.

Coach's Corner
"The Bombers lived up to their name tonight, that is for sure.
 
"We executed well for most of the game, but we struggled to finish.  We felt good only being down eight at half considering how poorly we finished possessions.
 
"Ithaca got hot in a hurry in the second half, and we couldn't hang with them.  Hats off to them for a superb shooting performance.
 
"We'll put this one behind us and get ready to honor our four great seniors on Saturday." –Coach Corky McMullen

Next Time Out
The Highlanders return to action on Saturday for their final game of the season when they take on cross-county rival Alfred University at 4:00 p.m. at the Nielsen Center.  The Saxons won this season's earlier contest, pulling away in the final minute of the game for a 57-50 victory.