AURORA, NY—The Houghton Highlanders scored 32 points in the first quarter as they raced past the Wells Express for their second win of the year, 72-36.
 
Emie Taylor scored 16 points to lead the Highlanders, who shot a season-best 62 percent from the floor.
 
The Highlanders never trailed in the game, as Alex Steele scored the opening basket seven seconds into the first quarter. Houghton opened up a 12-2 lead after the first 3:30 and led by 25 at the end of the first quarter.
 
Wells nearly leveled the field the rest of the way, staying within five points in each of the three remaining quarters, but they could never cut the total deficit to less than 23 points.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 72 | Wells – 36   
Records: Houghton: 2-6 | Wells: 0-7  
Venue: Farenthold Athletic Wing, Wells College | Attendance:

NOTABLE STATS
>> Brooke Lewandowski scored 12 points and grabbed five rebounds, while Alexis Klohr and Hannah Cybart each added eight points apiece for the Highlanders. Klohr also collected five steals, four assists and five rebounds, and Cybart added four assists.
 
>> Alex Steele posted a career-high eight assists for Houghton.
 
>> Jordan Jacobs led the Express with 15 points, four assists and four steals.

>> The 32 first quarter points is a program high since the NCAA changed to quarters during the 2015-16 season. The previous high was 31 set in last season's 89-44 win over SUNY Delhi. The 25 point first quarter spread (32-7) is also the largest in program history.

>> The game marked the second time since the 2017-18 season that the Highlanders shot better than 60 percent from the field. The team turned in a .630 performance in a win against Nazareth on February 6, 2018.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center this Friday, December 6 when they will host Hamilton College in the second annual "Christmas on the Court" at 7:00 p.m.  The Highlanders have teamed up for the evening's festivities with the PB&J Club, who helps provide sandwiches for women and children in need in Western New York.  Donations of peanut butter, jelly and/or bread will be accepted at the door.