FREDONIA, NY— A strong inside presence simply proved unmatchable, as the SUNY Fredonia Blue Devils rebounded their way past the Houghton Highlanders, 71-54.
 
While Houghton committed a season-low 10 turnovers and forced 15 from the Blue Devils, Fredonia owned the glass, outrebounding the Highlanders, 59-31.  Fredonia also won the battle of the offensive boards, 21-5, and second-chance points, 17-0.
 
The Highlanders shot out of the gate, knocking down 5-of-10 three-point shots in the opening minutes, and finishing the first quarter up, 21-13.  
 
Houghton extended their lead to as many as 11 points midway through the second quarter, but the Blue Devils fought back, finishing the half on an 11-1 run.  The two teams went into the break with Houghton clinging to a one-point lead.
 
In the opening minutes of the third Houghton's Carlee Miller, who had kept the Fredonia inside game mostly in check throughout the first half, quickly picked up her third and fourth fouls, sending her to the bench.  The Blue Devils took advantage, eventually building an eight-point lead by the end of the quarter and never looking back.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 54 | SUNY Fredonia – 71
Records: Houghton: 2-3 | SUNY Fredonia: 5-1
Venue: Dods Hall, SUNY Fredonia | Attendance: 35

NOTABLE STATS
>> Amanda Jackson led the Houghton offensive attack 14 points, including hitting 4-of-8 from long range.  She has been the Highlanders leading scorer in four of the team's five games so far this season.
 
>> Miller chipped in 10 points and seven boards, while Alexis Klor scored 10 points and added five rebounds and three assists.
 
>> Katie Pitcher and Mackenna Nechwedowich each tallied 19 points for the Blue Devils, while adding nine and 10 rebounds apiece, respectively.  Mary Culeton also pulled down an impressive 17 boards.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will return to action following the Thanksgiving break on Friday, December 3 when they travel to Alfred to take on the Alfred State College Pioneers at 5:30 p.m.