HOUGHTON, NY— As has become their calling card, the Houghton Highlanders utilized a well-balanced attack and a stingy defense to defeat the Utica Pioneers on Friday night, 65-51.
 
Four Houghton players – Laurie Call, Leslie Moose, Madison Detwiler and Amber Edwards—scored in double digits and a fifth (Hannah Cybart) missed by just one point.  Moose picked up her first double-double of the season, grabbing 10 rebounds, while Cori Beck added eight assists.
 
Leading by six after three quarters, the Highlanders opened it up in the fourth, thanks to some quality work at the free-throw shooting by Call and Moose, who went a combined 9-for-10 during the quarter.
 
While no Highlander has scored more than 18 points in a game this season, as a testament to their versatility and selflessness, eight different Highlanders have scored in double-digits at least once, and the same eight players have each led the team in scoring during at least one game.
 
Houghton, now 5-2 in the Empire 8, continues to improve on what is the best start they have had in conference play since joining the Empire 8 and have now equaled their highest conference win total over the same time period.        
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 65 | Utica – 51
Records: Houghton: 9-7 (5-2 Empire 8) | Utica: 6-9 (2-4 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 125

NOTABLE STATS
>> While both teams committed 14 turnovers, Houghton outscored Utica following a turnover, 17-11.  The Highlanders also outscored the Pioneers on second-chance points, 17-6.
 
>> Call turned in a season high 12-points to lead the Highlanders.  The point-guard also grabbed eight rebounds, second most in the game.
 
>> Briannah Florian led the Pioneers with 17 points, while Ashley Mayo scored 10 and Ashelyne Babb added seven assists.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders are back in action tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. when they take on the visiting Sage Gators at the Nielsen Center.