HOUGHTON, NY— Twelve second-half turnovers doomed the Houghton Highlanders on Saturday afternoon at the Nielsen Center, as the Stevens Ducks picked up their eighth conference win of the season, 84-72.
 
The Ducks scored 31 points off 20 Houghton turnovers for the game, building a four-point halftime lead into a 21-point gap, before holding off a late Highlander comeback attempt.
 
After trailing by 11 late in the first half, Houghton spun off a 9-0 run and had the ball with 10 seconds remaining, trailing by only two points.  But an errant inbounds pass led to a Stevens steal, layup and four-point lead at the break.
 
Five minutes into the second half Houghton's Antonio Deadmon nailed a three to pull the Highlanders within three points, but Stevens quickly answered with a 17-6 run over the ensuing five minutes.
 
The Ducks built on their lead into the final four minutes of the game, posting a game-high 21-point lead at that point.  While the Highlanders fought to the end, scoring the game's final nine points, it proved too little, too late, and the Ducks left with the victory.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 72 | Stevens – 84
Records: Houghton: 1-21 (0-13 Empire 8) | Stevens: 15-9 (8-7 Empire 8)
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 95

NOTABLE STATS
>> While Houghton shot a higher percentage from the floor for the game (52%-to-46%), Stevens got off an additional 12 shots, thanks in large part to 16 offensive rebounds, leading to 19 second-chance points.
 
>> The Ducks committed eight fewer turnovers and scored 26 more points than the Highlanders following their takeaways. 
 
>> Isander Ramos-Net finished with 19 points on 8-of-11 from the floor and added four steals for Houghton.  Jordan Holmes and Antonio Deadmon scored 15 and 14 points apiece, respectively.  The Highlander trio combined to shoot 64 percent from the floor.
 
>> For Stevens, Alec Depietrantonio posted a double-double, scoring 19 points and adding 11 rebounds.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"This team has come a long way.  We talk about getting better every day, and it's not just talk anymore.  We were so much better today than we were the last time we played Stevens. 
 
"Obviously the outcome is not what we want, but the process has been amazing.
 
"Jordan [Holmes], Tony [Deadmon] and [Isander Ramos-Net] were really efficient tonight.  They got us into our offense, took great shots and made great shots.
 
"I'm also excited with how much Darren Clark has improved.  He has really stepped up his game on both ends of the floor. 
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the hardwood on Friday, February 15 when they travel to Rochester to take on the Nazareth College Golden Flyers.  Tip-off time is slated for 7:30 p.m.