HOUGHTON, N.Y. – Houghton women's basketball won their second conference game this season, 98-58, against the Pioneers of Utica College on Saturday afternoon.

While it was a chilly day outside, the Highlanders were on fire, scoring a DIII era record high 98 points, up from 92 in a game against Alfred in the 2013-14 season. These 98 points are the third most scored in program history (record is 104 during the 1991-92 season).

The game would start out slow, with neither team scoring for the first two minutes of the game; but with a 3 pointer by Cori Beck, assisted by Brooke Lewandowski., the Highlanders would take control of the court and head into halftime up 47-28. Coming back for the second half of the game, Houghton upped the lead to 69-39, but the Pioneers used an 8-0 run to trim the lead back to 22. The lead was 25 after three and grew to as many as 41 (92-51) with just over two minutes to go.

GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 98 | Utica – 58
Records: Houghton 9-5 (2-3 E8) | Utica 6-7 (1-3 E8)
Location: Nielsen Center | Houghton College | Houghton, NY


NOTABLE STATS
> The Highlanders shot 57.3% from the field (43-75) for the game and was 10-of-19 from three point range. The Pioneers shot 35.7% (20-56) and hit 11-of-16 (68.8%) of free throws.

> Houghton outrebounded the Pioneers, 47-23.

> The women have scored at least 80 points four times this season, matching the most since 2011-2012. The margin of victory was the largest over an E8 opponent since Houghton officially joined the conference in 2013-14.

> Emily Swanson led the Highlanders in points, putting 16 on the board.

> Brooke Lewandowski (14 points, 10 rebounds) and Cori Beck (13 points, 10 assists) each registered double-doubles.

> The team tallied a season-high 30 assists, with Cori Beck contributing 10 – the most by a Highlander this season.

COACH'S CORNER
"Our defensive stops were a key in giving us confidence on the offensive end.  As I tell my team every game, "it starts with defense."  When we get stops, it builds momentum, excitement and confidence for us on the offensive end, and this was so true for us tonight.  I've never seen this group of girls gel so nicely on the court together.  It was really fun to watch.
 
We did a terrific job on the glass tonight - Brooke Lewandowski leading way with 10 boards - as well as balanced scoring inside and out.  We assisted 30 baskets of our 43 on the game with Cori Beck leading the way with 10 assists.  This was a terrific team effort in every area.
 
Our effort and energy across the board was the best I've seen this season, and for this to occur on the third game of the week shows how deep we will to dig to get things done.  This team is resilient and will fight together. 
 
Tomorrow's rest is much needed before we plan and prepare for our games next week on the road at Steven's and Sage." - Head Coach Alicia Mucher 

UP NEXT
The Highlanders will be on the road, Friday, January 18^th, to face the Ducks of Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey.