HOUGHTON, NY—A rough first half ultimately doomed the Houghton Highlanders as the team lost to St. John Fisher on Tuesday night at the Nielsen Center, 52-88.
 
While Houghton forced 14 turnovers and created plenty of scoring opportunities, the Highlanders struggled to put the ball in the basket.
 
In the second half Houghton improved dramatically, shooting over 43 percent from the field, but the Cardinals did not commit a single turnover and pulled down seven more rebounds than the home team to keep their lead intact.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 52 | St. John Fisher – 88
Records: Houghton: 3-15 (0-9 Empire 8) | St. John Fisher: 9-8 (4-4 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance:   107

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton knocked down 88 percent (15-of-17) of their shots from the free throw line.
 
>> The Highlanders blocked six Cardinal's shots in the second half, three of which came from Cody Johnson, who rejected Fisher shooters on three consecutive possessions.
 
>> Carl Holmes finished with a game-high 16 points, while adding two assists and two steals for the Highlanders
 
>> Dylan Lambert scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds.
 
>> Sammy Robinson led St. John Fisher with 14 points, and teammate Ryan Henderson scored 10 points and added nine boards.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We have gotten worse in each of our last three games, and that is totally on me.  I need to get better first, and then we need to get better." – Coach Corky McMullen
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will take the next week to recuperate before taking on cross-county rival Alfred University on Tuesday, January 30 at 6:00 p.m. in Alfred, NY.