ROCHESTER, NY – Despite shooting nearly 62 percent over the final 10 minutes, the Houghton Highlanders could not overcome their early offensive struggles or an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit, falling to the Skidmore Thoroughbreds in the University of Rochester Chuck Resler Invitational Women's Basketball Tournament consolation game, 54-47.
Emie Taylor collected her second double-double of the season, scoring 18 points on 8-of-12 shooting and a perfect 2-for-2 from the line, while grabbing 11 rebounds. For her efforts, Taylor was named to the All-Tournament Team.
The Highlanders jumped out to an early 13-11 lead after the first quarter, but the Thoroughbreds fought back to take a three-point lead into the half.
In the third quarter Houghton hit to proverbial wall, making only 1-of-17 shots from the floor as the Thoroughbreds lead increased to 11 points.
Trailing by 12 with only two minutes remaining,
Brooke Lewandowski converted a three-point play. After a steal by
Cori Beck,
Alex Steele sank a layup off a pass from Lewandowski to cut the lead to seven. In the final minute of play, Skidmore made 6-of-8 from the line, and while the Highlanders continued to stay within striking distance they could not get closer than seven points.
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 47 | Skidmore – 54
Records: Houghton: 0-4 | Skidmore: 1-2
Venue: Louis Alexander Palestra, University of Rochester | Attendance: 50
NOTABLE STATS
>> While Skidmore committed one turnover more than Houghton (23-22), the Thoroughbreds converted their takeaways into 22 points, while the Highlanders managed only 12.
>> Lewandowski scored 11 points and pulled down six rebounds for the Highlanders. Both Taylor and Lewandowski found themselves in foul trouble down the stretch, limiting them to only 20 and 26 minutes, respectively.
>> Jessica Centore and Claire Driscoll scored 13 points apiece for the Thoroughbreds.
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the hardwood this upcoming Tuesday, November 19, when the travel to Alfred State College to take on the Pioneers in the first game of a women's/men's doubleheader at 5:30 p.m.
