ELMIRA, N.Y.— With less than two second remaining on the clock in overtime, Elmira's Taylor Johnson hit a jumper in the lane to push the Soaring Eagles past the visiting Houghton Highlanders, 72-71.
 
Midway through the second quarter it looked like Elmira might run away with it, as a three-pointer from Lauren Franklin put the Soaring Eagles up by 15 points, 33-18.  Houghton, however, would close the half on an 8-2 run, cutting the deficit to nine as the teams headed to the locker rooms.
 
In the third, both teams struggled to find a rhythm, but the Highlanders outscored the Soaring Eagles, 12-11, and entered the final quarter trailing by eight.
 
Within minutes Houghton had flipped the game on its head.  On back-to-back possessions Cori Beck picked the pocket of her opponent and found Hannah Cybart for a three-pointer, then drove for a layup to pull the Highlanders within three.  Cybart then intercepted a pass and, after a foul on the Soaring Eagles, trimmed the lead to one on a pair of free throws.
 
The two teams traded baskets over the ensuing minutes before Alex Steele forced a turnover and drove the length of the court for a fast-break layup, giving the Highlanders their first lead since the first quarter.
 
With Houghton up by one and only seven seconds on the clock, Elmira's Bridget Yaw sank the second of a pair of free throws, tying the game and giving Houghton one final opportunity.  The Highlanders could not convert and the game went into overtime.
 
Beck quickly put Houghton up by five, draining a three and a layup, but Elmira continued to answer.  With 13 seconds remaining Beck sank a free throw to put the Highlanders up by four, but four seconds later Yaw drained a three to pull the Soaring Eagles within one.
 
With five seconds to go Alyssa Waters stole the ball from her stunned Houghton opponent, and found Johnson in the lane for the game-winner.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 71 | Elmira – 72 (OT)
Records: Houghton: 2-12 (0-3 Empire 8) | Elmira: 3-11 (1-3 Empire 8)
Venue: Speidel Gymnasium, Elmira College | Attendance: 75
 
NOTABLE STATS
>> After committing 15 turnovers in the first half, Houghton tightened the ship, giving the ball away only five times in the second half and once in overtime.
 
>> Beck scored a total of 14 points, 10 of which came in overtime.  She also added 10 assists, four rebounds and four steals.  Her final assist gave her 334 on her career, tying her with Sarah Tooley (1998-2002) for fourth on the all-time list.  The double-double was her first of the season, and the second time this year she has reached double-digit assists in a game.
 
>> Six Highlanders reached double-figure point totals, the most this season.  Houghton also attained another season-best with three players (Beck, Hannah Cybart – 15 points, 11 rebounds—and Brooke Lewandowski—10 points, 10 rebounds) posting double-doubles.
 
>> Franklin led the Soaring Eagles with 16 points and seven assists, while Emily Breheny scored 15 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
Houghton travels to Oneonta tomorrow to challenge the Hartwick Hawks.  Tip-off time is slated for 5:00 p.m.