HOUGHTON, NY – With leading scorer Dylan Lambert sidelined for the remainder of the year with a broken foot, the Houghton Highlanders dropped a home conference matchup to the Alfred Saxons, 85-54.
 
The Saxons pulled away early against the younger Highlander team, building a 10-point lead in the first six minutes, thanks to some hot shooting from long range and a pair of fast break layups.
 
Houghton stayed within striking distance, cutting the lead to five at the midway point on a basket by Jordan Holmes.  Alfred, however, would capitalize on a 12-3 run and close out the half up, 53-34.
 
In the opening minutes of the second half, a three pointer from Darren Clark cut the Saxon's lead to 18, but moments later Alfred pulled away again and the Highlanders would come no closer.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 54 | Alfred – 85
Records: Houghton: 1-11 (0-3 Empire 8) | Alfred: 8-2 (1-0 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 135

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Saxons held the hot hand throughout the first half, shooting 58.3% from the field and 53.6% from long range.
 
>> Alfred outrebounded Houghton, 51-30, leading to a 19-3 disparity in second chance points.
 
>> Jordan Holmes led the Highlanders with 16 points, while Antonio Deadmon chipped in 10.
 
>> Cole Ells scored a game-high 17 points for the Saxons, and Scottie Stopera dished out 10 assists.
 
>> Barring a miracle, the Highlanders do not expect Lambert to return this season, leaving him in sixth place on the all-time scoring list with 1,481 career points, 28 points shy of fifth place.  To date, he ranked first in the Empire 8 this season in scoring (25.5 ppg) and seventh in rebounding (7.1 rpg).
 
COACH'S CORNER
"I know that the score doesn't necessarily say it, but from Saturday, I thought we took a step in the right direction.  We had good purpose tonight, on both ends.
 
"We need to get some scoring from some of our more experienced guys who we haven't had to rely on to score up to this point. 
 
"We have to be better on the defensive glass and control the ball on offense if we're going to compete.
 
"I was proud of our fight, and I told the guys that after the game.  They could have mailed it in, but they played hard all night long.  I'm looking forward to getting back on the court tomorrow." –Coach Corky McMullen
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders hit the hardwood again this Friday, January 11 at 7:30 p.m. when they host the Hartwick Hawks in another Empire 8 tilt.