CAZENOVIA, NY— With less than four minutes to play, Houghton's Billy McCrae trimmed what had been as much as a 19-point Cazenovia advantage to only six points with a jumper in the paint.  The Wildcats, however, would fend off the resurgence, eventually pulling away to defeat the Highlanders, 86-75.
 
After 15 lead changes in the first 15 minutes of play, Houghton's Jordan Holmes added one more, sinking a layup with 4:31 to play in the first half, putting Houghton up, 35-34.  That lead, however, would be the last for the Highlanders.
 
Cazenovia surged ahead, then Houghton battled back, as a three-pointer from Andrew Wright pulled them within two. But the Wildcats would end the half on a 6-0 run to enter the break up, 48-40.
 
In the opening minutes of the second half the Wildcats continued to pull ahead, leading by 19 points with less than 10 minutes to play. 
 
Over the next six minutes, though, Houghton would reel off an 18-5 run, capped by McCrae's jumper.  Following another Wildcats surge, the Highlanders again battled back, and with less than a minute to go, Preston Bax drained a three to once again pull Houghton within six points.
 
That, however, would be as close as the Highlanders would come, as they failed to make another basket in the waning seconds and Cazenovia sank five final free throws to cap the victory.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 86 | Cazenovia – 75
Records: Houghton: 0-7 | Cazenovia: 3-8
Venue: Schneweiss Athletic Center, Cazenovia College | Attendance: 120

NOTABLE STATS
>> While the Highlanders committed only 11 turnovers and forced 15, Houghton was whistled for 21 personal fouls, leading to a 22-for-31 night from the free throw line for the Wildcats.  Cazenovia committed only 12 fouls and, subsequently, the Highlanders converted only 6-of-10 from the line.
 
>> The Wildcats blocked 12 shots, while the Highlanders rejected only two.
 
>> McCrae led the Highlanders with 14 points, and AJ Bass added 12.  Holmes scored eight points and collected a team-high 11 rebounds.
 
>> Kobe Bogart paced Cazenovia with 21 points and 17 rebounds, while Nate Klein posted 16 points and nine rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Thursday, when they will take on the visiting Wells Express.  While Houghton leads the all-time series, 4-2, Wells won the last matchup on December 4, 2019, 68-60.