BRADFORD, PA—Jordan Holmes and Isander Ramos-Net combined to score 55 points as the Houghton Highlanders kicked off the year with a win on the road over the Pitt-Bradford Panthers, 92-78.
 
Houghton shot over 46 percent from beyond the arc, and over 91 percent from the free throw line, including 18-of-19 from the charity stripe in the second half.
 
After taking a 38-33 lead into the break, Houghton stretched their lead to nine points within the first three minutes of the second half when Ramos-Net nailed a three-pointer.
 
The Panthers would keep things close, pulling within four points midway through the half, but Holmes hit four straight free throws before an Isaac Dow three put the Highlanders up by 12 with just over seven minutes to play.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 92 | Pitt-Bradford – 78
Records: Houghton: 1-0 | Pitt-Bradford: 0-1
Venue: KOA Arena, University of Pittsburgh-Bradford | Attendance: 350

NOTABLE STATS
>> The Panthers outscored the Highlanders in the paint, 42-20, but Houghton's hot hand from beyond the arc and at the line proved the difference-makers.  Houghton sank 13 threes while the Panthers made only five.  And while Houghton sank 21-of-23 free throws, Pitt-Bradford made 14-of-21.
 
>> Holmes finished the night with a double-double, scoring 27 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.  He made 4-of-8 shots from three-point range, and drained 11-of-12 free throws.
 
>> Ramos Net posted a game-high 28 points and added five rebounds and four assists.  He converted 3-of-4 three-point shots and was 5-for-5 from the line.
 
>> Freshman AJ Bass contributed nine points and five assists, and fellow rookie Billy McCrae chipped in seven points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots.
 
>> Zach Dahlstrand led the Panthers with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Pitt-Brad played a switching defense tonight, which forced our guys to create action by getting into the paint and kicking out to shooters.  Overall, we shot the ball well, especially from three [point range].
 
"Jordan Holmes and Isander Ramos-Net showed some major leadership.  Both hit some big shots tonight and played big minutes.
 
"Getting the first one feels great.  I'm so happy for the returners and recognize tonight's result is a product of more than just the last 21 practices from us.  Credit to Corky McMullen and his staff for helping to grow these men.
 
"We look forward to getting a couple more games in this weekend!" –Coach Lance Westberg
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Scranton, Pennsylvania this weekend for the Hilton Scranton Invitational.  They will play the University of Scranton on Friday at 7:30 p.m., then challenge either William Paterson or Sarah Lawrence on Saturday.