AURORA, NY— A strong second-half rally by the Houghton Highlanders faded away down the stretch as the Wells Express pulled away in the final minutes of the game to defeat the Highlanders, 68-60.
 
After trailing by 10 points at halftime, Houghton rallied to pull within one just over four minutes into the second half after Darren Clark sank a pair of free throws.  Houghton would take the lead moments later on a Kyle Donk layup before trading baskets over the next several minutes.
 
With 7:35 remaining in the game, Isander Ramos-Net drained a pair from the line, tying the score, 52-52.  Wells then went on an 11-0 run before the Highlanders finally put another shot through the cylinder.  While Houghton hit a pair of shots at the end to trim the margin, they could not overcome the deficit.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 60 | Wells – 68   
Records: Houghton: 1-6 | Wells: 1-7
Venue: Farenthold Athletic Wing, Wells College | Attendance: N/A

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton out-rebounded Wells, 40-34, but the Express committed five fewer turnovers (16-21) leading to a 17-to-11 "Points off Turnovers" rate.
 
>> Wells outshot Houghton from the floor, 46%-to-37%.  Houghton did reduce Wells' efficiency from 52% in the first half, to 38% in the second.
 
>> Jordan Holmes led the Highlanders with 16 points and eight rebounds, while not committing a turnover.  AJ Bass and Ramos-Net scored 14 and 12 points apiece, respectively.
 
>> Isaiah McPherson scored 16 points for the Express, while Jalen Tribble added 10 points and 10 rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to SUNY Delhi on Saturday to take on the Mustangs at 3:00 p.m.