ALBANY, NY— A career-high 18 points from Houghton freshman Darren Clark could not stop the Sage Gators as they defeated the visiting Highlanders, 75-57, in a defensive struggle.
 
With less than nine minutes to play in the first half, Clark stole the ball and broke free for a layup, pulling the Highlanders within one.  The Gators, however, would quickly reel off the game's first true run, outscoring the visitors 13-1 over the next four minutes.
 
While Houghton would play Sage to within six points in the second half, they could not cut the deficit to less than 10 points.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 57 | Sage – 75
Records: Houghton: 1-15 (0-7 Empire 8) | Sage: 7-10 (3-5 Empire 8)
Venue: Kahl Gymnasium, Sage Colleges| Attendance: 77 

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Gators won the battle of the boards, pulling down 21 more rebounds, 58-37.
 
>> While both teams committed 15 turnovers apiece, the Gators converted their takeaways into 16 points while the Highlanders scored only eight in the transition.
 
>> The Highlanders sank 12-of-14 free throws.  Coupled with last night's perfect performance from the line, Houghton shot an impressive 92 percent over the two-game road swing.
 
>> In addition to his game-high point total, Clark pulled down seven rebounds and collected two steals.  Jordan Holmes added 13 points, five rebounds and two blocked shots for the Highlanders.
 
>> Chris Kidd led the Gators, pulling down 12 boards (six on the offensive end) and scoring 12 points.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We have to make shots.  It's that simple.  I thought we made an improvement from last night on both ends.  We are getting really good looks; we just simply have to put the ball in the hole.

"Darren Clark was the best player on the floor today.  He is getting better every day.

"Can't wait to watch the film and get better." -Coach Corky McMullen 
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Tuesday, January 22 for a home tilt against the Elmira Soaring Eagles.  Tip-off is slated for 7:30 p.m.