HOUGHTON, NY— A fast-paced, high-pressure, full-court defense propelled the Houghton Highlanders to their second win of the season Friday night, defeating the visiting Waynesburg Yellowjackets at the Nielsen Center, 63-56.
 
The Highlanders got off to an icy start, shooting only 3-of-17 (18%) from the floor and 0-for-7 from beyond the arc over the first ten minutes, but their defensive play kept in it all night long.  Houghton forced 21 Yellowjacket turnovers as they pressed and applied pressure all night long. 
 
At the end of the first quarter, Waynesburg led, 12-8.
 
Houghton picked up the offensive pace in the second, outscoring the Yellowjackets, 19-13, to take a two point lead into the locker room. 
 
The game remained close throughout the opening minutes of the third quarter, but Houghton slowly began to pull away.  With less than a minute to play in the quarter, Abby Guiher made a layup that put the Highlanders up by eight, their largest lead of the game.
 
Waynesburg stayed within striking distance, and eventually tied the game with only 5:06 remaining on the clock.  With less than a minute left, and the Highlanders clinging to a one-point lead, Hannah Roeske dipped under her defender, sank a layup, drew the foul and completed the three-point play.
 
As the Yellowjackets were forced to foul, Houghton sank five-of-six free throws down the stretch to seal the victory.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 63 | Waynesburg – 56
Records: Houghton: 2-1 | Waynesburg: 0-3
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 145

NOTABLE STATS
>> Amanda Jackson scored 19 points to lead the Highlanders offense, 16 of which came in the second half.
 
>> Carlee Miller anchored the paint, scoring eight points, collecting five rebounds, and rejecting a career-high eight shots.
 
>> Brooke Fuller picked up a double-double for Waynesburg, posting 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Avery Robinson added 18 points.
 
>> While Houghton forced 21 Yellowjacket turnovers, they gave the ball away only 12 times.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders are back in action tomorrow afternoon, once again taking to the hardwood in the Nielsen Center against the Grove City Wolverines at 2:00 p.m