HOUGHTON, NY – Tahaij Lewis sank the back end of a pair of free throws with no time remaining on the clock to lift the Alfred State Pioneers past the Houghton Highlanders on Tuesday night, 80-79.
 
With 12 seconds left in the game, Jordan Holmes hit a free throw to tie the game, but a lane violation negated the second shot, giving Alfred State time for one final possession.
 
In the waning seconds, the Pioneers launched a deep three that hit the front of the rim, but Lewis quickly grabbed the rebound and attempted a put-back.  As he elevated, the Highlanders were called for a foul that sent Lewis to the line to decide the fate of the game.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 79 | Alfred State – 80
Records: Houghton: 0-4 | Alfred State: 3-2
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 138

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton sank a season-high 13 three-pointers, including nine in the first half, sinking 52 percent from beyond the arch.
 
>> Dylan Lambert scored a season-high 35 points and added five rebounds, six assists and two steals.
 
>> Jordan Holmes and Scottie Berghaus scored 18 and 17 points apiece, respectively, the latter of which marks a new career-high.  
 
>> Juwan Toliver led a quintet of double-digit scorers for the Pioneers, posting 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Give credit to Alfred State.  They got us to play how they wanted us to play. 
 
"We have work to do.  I can't wait until Monday." – Coach Corky McMullen
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will take the next week off for Thanksgiving break then return to the Nielsen Center on Wednesday, November 28 for a nonconference tilt with the Wells Express at 7:30 p.m.