HOUGHTON, NY – The Elmira Soaring Eagles picked up their second conference win of the season over the Houghton Highlanders on Tuesday night, 83-64, thanks to a high-pressure defense and some prodigious offensive rebounding.
 
The Soaring Eagles pressed the entire game, subbing in waves at short intervals, and forced 20 Houghton turnovers, 12 in the first half.
 
Late in the first half a three-point play by Darren Clark trimmed the Elmira lead to eight points and Houghton grabbed a rebound on the ensuing possession, but a quick offensive foul gave the ball back to the Soaring Eagles, who quickly reeled off an 11-2 run.  Elmira would head to the locker room up by 16 points at the break. 
 
In the second half, Houghton began to solve the Soaring Eagles' pressure, knocking down 50 percent of their shots, while playing to only a three point deficit.  Rookie Isaac Kopp knocked down all four of his shots, including three from long range for 11 total points as the Highlanders fought to remain within striking distance.
 
Elmira, however, continued to take care of the ball and crashed the offensive glass, pulling away down the stretch.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 64 | Elmira – 83
Records: Houghton: 1-16 (0-8 Empire 8) | Elmira: 4-10 (2-3 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 95

NOTABLE STATS
>> Elmira collected 49 total rebounds, 22 on the offensive end, while Houghton brought down only 38 boards. 
 
>> The Soaring Eagles also won the battle of the turnovers, 20-7, leading to a Points-Off-Turnovers disparity of 24-5.
 
>> Houghton posted a higher shooting percentage, both from the floor (41%-to-37%) and from the free-throw line (75%-to-74%), than their opponent, but Elmira hoisted 28 more shots than the Highlanders.
 
>> Jordan Holmes led the Highlanders with a game-high 20 points, sinking a perfect 7-for-7 from the line.
 
>> Justin Porrett controlled the game for the Soaring Eagles, collecting 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists and four steals.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Elmira did an excellent job of keeping us out of an offensive rhythm.  We did not handle the chaos they created.  We were careless with the ball, especially in the first half.

"We had some opportunities to cut their lead to single digits but just didn't do it. 

"Isaac [Kopp] played very well tonight.  He's progressed so much.  He pays attention to detail, works hard and it's really paying off." -Coach Corky McMullen 
 
UP NEXT
Houghton travels to Alfred on Saturday, January 26 to challenge the Saxons of Alfred University at 2:00 p.m.