HOUGHTON, NY – The Utica Pioneers defeated the Houghton Highlanders Saturday evening at the Nielsen Center, 77-58, thanks to a stingy defense and some hot second-half shooting from the floor and from the line.
 
The Pioneers made 14-of-23 second half shots (61 percent) and hit 13-of-16 from the line, while allowing the Highlanders to convert on only 35 percent of their shots, in the second half. 
 
Utica opened up a quick seven-point lead in the first five minutes, but Houghton fought back to within a point on a layup by Akil Grampus.  The Highlander kept things close over the next six minutes, but the Pioneers closed the half on an 8-2 run to go up by nine at the break.
 
The second half opened with a flurry as Utica opened up a 17 point lead in the first four minutes.  Houghton would quickly cut the deficit to 10, and had looks to pull closer, but could not close the gap as the Pioneers continued to pull away.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 58 | Utica – 77
Records: Houghton: 1-13 (0-5 Empire 8) | Utica: 7-6 (1-3 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 156

NOTABLE STATS
>> Akil Grampus finished one point shy of a double-double, pulling down double-digit rebounds (10) for the second day in a row, and scoring a career-high nine points.
 
>> Isander Ramos-Neet also checked off a new career-high mark with 13 points for the Highlanders.
 
>> While no single Pioneer scored more than 11 points, Utica utilized a deep bench, as 12 different players found the scoring column.  The Pioneers also picked up 38 points from their subs.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"You can't compete if you're giving the ball away 20 times.  And they had 25 points off our turnovers.  That's like going to our own funeral.
 
"When we executed we got great shots.  We've just got to start making shots.
 
"Our defensive urgency was good early, but dropped off in the second half.
 
"Isaac Kopp gave us some good minutes off the bench, and Akil [Grampus] has come so far.  He is the epitome of resiliency.  He just works and works, and now we're a better team when he's on the floor.  His energy is contagious.
 
"I love going to practice with this group.  I love eating with them and talking with them.  They're fun, they work hard.  I love every second I spend with these guys. 
 
"We're teaching these guys how to overcome adversity, and that's transferable to life.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders hit the road next weekend, travelling to Hoboken, New Jersey on Friday to play the Stevens Ducks at 7:30 p.m. then challenging the Sage Gators in Albany on Saturday at 4:00 p.m.