UTICA, N.Y.- Emily Swanson recorded her second double-double of the season as the Houghton women's basketball team fell to host Utica College Saturday evening, 49-45.
 
Both the Highlanders and Pioneers struggled to put the ball in the basket in Saturday evening's Empire 8 matchup. It was ultimately Utica's ability to make more shots that gave the Pioneers a winning edge over the Highlanders.
 
The first quarter was a game of back and forth as both teams were unable to get the upper-hand. The quarter ended in a deadlock, 14-14, as Utica's Jesyn Files hit a three-pointer to tie the game.
 
The threes didn't end in the first quarter as the Pioneers connected once more from downtown to grab the lead at the 9:30 mark of the second quarter. The Highlanders fought back and were able to find some offense taking a four-point lead with 53 seconds left in the second quarter. The lead was brief as the Pioneers hit back to back shots that put them right back on top, 26-25, to end the half.
 
The Highlanders continued to struggle in the third quarter as the Pioneers extended their lead by as many as 11-points at the 57-second mark. A fourth-quarter comeback seemed achievable when the Highlanders came within three points at the 1:24 mark but Utica was able to hold off Houghton's efforts in the end.
 
GAME VITALS                          
Score: Houghton - 45 | Utica - 49
Records: Houghton - 11-9, 7-4 Empire 8 | Utica - 8-12, 4-7 Empire 8
Venue: Clark Athletic Center Gymnasium, Utica, NY | Attendance: 98
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton was led by Swanson as she finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Junior guard Brittany Lenart tallied 10 points.
 
>> The Highlanders won the battle of the boards out-rebounding the Pioneers, 45-40.
 
>> Jesyn Files led the Pioneers with a career-high of 11 points on the night.
 
>> This evening's contest was Houghton's fourth time tallying 7 blocks in a game.

Coach's Corner
"Proud of our defensive effort down the stretch in our game, but we just needed that determination in the first half. We didn't look ourselves today. There are some details we need to tighten up on both ends of the floor heading into conference play next week."
 
"One thing I love about this team is that they never give up. They are fighters and they will respond together moving forward."
 
"Monday we will get back to work, iron things out and be prepared for Tuesday."
 
#riseunited 
 - Coach Alicia Mucher

UP NEXT
The Highlanders are back home to take on Nazareth College on February 6th at 8:00 PM. For their final home game of the season, the Highlanders will celebrate Senior Day and National Girls & Women in Sports Day at both the men's and women's games that evening.