HOBOKEN, N.J.-  In Saturday's women basketball action, a trio of Highlanders scored in double figures as the Stevens Ducks landed a 74-57 win.The Ducks advance to 8-6 in Empire 8 conference play (11-12 overall) as the Highlanders slip to 8-6 (12-11 overall).
 
After a solid first quarter, the Highlanders couldn't find an answer for the Ducks as Houghton was outscored 25-7 in the second quarter. Due to an aggressive Stevens' defense, the Highlanders struggled offensively turning the ball over 13 times in the first half. Capitalizing on their aggressive defense, the Ducks were able to turn defensive efforts into points off of turnovers and fast breaks. At the half, Stevens led the Highlanders 49-27.
 
The second half proved to be low in scoring as the Highlanders fought for a comeback. Holding the Ducks to 15 points in the third quarter and 10 points in the fourth quarter, the Highlanders were able to find offensive ground throughout the second half. The Highlanders shot an impressive 57.1% from downtown and 32.3% from the field, winning the second half 30-25.
 
Despite a solid second half showing, Houghton was unable to pull out an upset at Stevens. Now both teams are tied for third in Empire 8 standings with 8-6 on the season.
 
GAME VITALS                          
Score: Houghton – 57 | Stevens - 74
Records: Houghton - 12-11, 8-6 Empire 8 | Stevens – 11-12, 8-6 Empire 8
Venue: Canavan Arena, Hoboken, N.J. | Attendance: 185
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> Highlanders' Emily Swanson collected her third double-double of the year with 13 points and 11 rebounds while Brittany Lenart notched 14 points and Madison Detwiler tallied 10.
 
>> Highlanders shot 88.9% percent from the stripe. Houghton currently sits third in the conference for free throws, shooting an overall 72.1%.
 
>> The Highlanders won the battle of the boards out-rebounding the Ducks, 44-41.
 
>> Ducks' Senior Megan Brown led the way with 15 points and 10 boards followed by Christina Li with 15 points, Maddie Hahn (14 points) and Lily Taeuber (10 points).

COACH'S CORNER
"We had a hard time taking care of the ball tonight, didn't get to the free throw line enough, and got in foul trouble early. I was very proud of our ladies turning the corner in the second half. We worked very hard to out rebound and win the scoring battle in the 3rd and 4th quarters, but we dug a hole too deep in the first half to climb out of."
 
"This weekend hasn't been easy, but we will learn from it and get better on Monday at practice. We have two big games ahead of us and we will be ready."
 
#riseunited
-Alicia Mucher

UP NEXT
Houghton will be back in action at Hartwick College on February 16^th at 8:00 PM.