ALFRED, NY—An early second-half run by the Alfred University Saxons sank the Houghton Highlanders in the first Empire 8 conference game of the season for both teams, 90-82.
 
The Saxons outscored the Highlanders 20-6 over a five minute period to overcome a one-point Houghton lead and create an insurmountable deficit. 
 
Houghton continued to scrap throughout the remaining minutes, relying on Carl Holmes and Dylan Lambert to remain within striking distance, but never drew closer than nine points after the midway point of the second half.
 
Alfred's Dom LaMorta set the pace, scoring a season-high 30 points, 20 of which came in the first half.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 82 | Alfred – 90
Records: Houghton: 3-7 (0-1 Empire 8) | Alfred: 8-2 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Terry S. Galanis Family Arena, Alfred University| Attendance: 124

NOTABLE STATS
>> Despite the Highlanders outshooting the Saxons from long range, the Saxons capitalized on boards, out-rebounding their opponent, 37-27, including 10 offensive rebounds, to create more scoring opportunities.
 
>> Holmes finished with 24 points—his third consecutive game with over 20 points—and six assists, while Lambert collected 28 points and four assists, shooting 8-of-17 from the field, 4-of-7 from three, and a perfect 8-for-8 from the line. 
 
>> Cody Johnson scored a season-high 15 points for Houghton.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Alfred is a very versatile team.  They can score in a variety of ways.  We did a good job guarding the three-point line, but credit to Alfred for getting in the gaps on penetration and finding ways to score in the paint.
 
"Carl and Dylan paced us offensively as usual, while Cody chipped in with some gutsy buckets in the paint.  Defensively, though, we struggled to contain the bounce in the second half.
 
"Darius gave us great energy and urgency off the bench.
 
"I'm excited to get back to our home court this weekend [against Stevens and Hartwick]." –Coach Corky McMullen
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center this Friday for their first home conference game of the season against the Stevens Tech Ducks at 6:00 p.m.