ELMIRA, N.Y.—With 41 seconds remaining on the clock, Jordan Holmes converted a three-point play to pull the Houghton Highlanders to within two points of the Elmira Soaring Eagles.  But Justin Porrett hit a runner in the lane on the ensuing possession to seal the victory, 82-78.
 
The two teams traded baskets throughout a tight first half until Anthony Abate hit a layup with 3:35 on the clock to give the Soaring Eagles a five-point lead.  Houghton would quickly answer with a 12-0 run over the next two minutes, and head into the break up by six.
 
Houghton led by as many as eight points early in the second half and kept the advantage until nearly the midway point before Elmira surged ahead.
 
With three minutes remaining the Soaring Eagles led by 10 points, but the Highlanders answered with a pair of free throws by Akil Grampus, a three from Isander Ramos-Net, and the three-point play by Holmes that trimmed the lead to two.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 78 | Elmira – 82
Records: Houghton: 1-18 (0-10 Empire 8) | Elmira: 6-12 (4-5 Empire 8)
Venue: Speidel Gymnasium, Elmira College | Attendance: 381
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> While Elmira took 12 more shots from the field, Houghton held advantages in both shooting percentage from the floor (45-to-42 percent) and shooting percentage from long range (42-to-30 percent). 
 
>> The Soaring Eagles won the battle of turnovers, 18-11, and rebounds, 41-37, and pulled down seven more offensive boards than the Highlanders.
 
>> Jordan Holmes posted team-highs in points (20) and rebounds (9), while Ramos-Net 15 points and dished out seven assists.

>> Scottie Berghaus and Antonio Deadmon chipped in 12 points apiece for the Highlanders. 
 
>> Justin Porrett led the Soaring Eagles with a game-high 21 points, 17 of which came in the second half, and eight assists.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We are getting better.  These guys swim upstream.  I love coaching this group.

"I thought our defensive urgency was good and that is what sparked our offense.  Jordan [Holmes] and Tony [Deadmon]'s energy was contagious tonight.

"I'm looking forward to tomorrow at Hartwick." -Coach Corky McMullen 
 
UP NEXT
Houghton travels to Oneonta tomorrow to challenge the Hartwick Hawks.  Tip-off time is slated for 4:00 p.m.