UTICA, N.Y. – Dylan Lambert opened the second half by hitting a jumper that pulled the Houghton Highlanders within four points of the host Utica Pioneers. 
 
Utica responded with a seven point run that pushed the lead into double-digits.
 
Near the midway point through the second half, Houghton's Carl Holmes drained a three that closed the gap to seven points, but the Pioneers quickly scored the next five points, again recapturing a double-digit lead, which they would retain for the remainder of the game.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 52 | Utica – 70
Records: Houghton: 3-17 (0-11 Empire 8) | Utica: 11-9 (6-5 Empire 8)
Venue: Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium, Utica College| Attendance: 154
 
KEY STATS
>> Holmes finished with a game-high 18 points, hitting four three-points and sinking 4-of-5 from the free throw line.  He also added five rebounds for the Highlanders.
 
>> Lambert collected 12 points, five rebounds and three steals.
 
>> Ivan Iton led the Pioneers with 11 points and 14 rebounds.

COACH'S CORNER
"We were not our best today.  We got away from what we do a little bit and that hurt us.  We had some great looks when we executed.
 
"Our defensive urgency was great in the first half.  Take away a few turnovers and we could have had some momentum going into the half.
 
"Nobody wants to go on a losing streak, but the reality is that we are on one.  We have to stay the course, stay connected and continue to improve every single day." – Coach Corky McMullen
 
Next Time Out
Houghton returns home on Tuesday, February 6 at 6:00 p.m. for their final home game of the year against the Nazareth Golden Flyers.  The Highlanders will celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day at both the men's and women's games that evening.