HOUGHTON, NY— The Houghton Highlanders pulled out a stunning come-from-behind victory on Tuesday evening, 49-41, outscoring the SUNY Canton Roos, 22-5, over the final seven minutes of the game.
 
Houghton opened the game ice cold, sinking only 1-of-14 shots in the first quarter, as the Roos raced out to a 12-2 lead after the first 10 minutes.   
 
The Highlanders regained their footing in the second, outscoring Canton in the second, 9-8, but the game remained a defensive struggle as the Roos took a 21-10 lead into the break.
 
Houghton outscored the Roos again in the third, 15-13, as both teams started to heat up a bit, but after 30 minutes of play, Canton still clung to a nine-point lead, 34-25.
 
With seven minutes remaining in the game, and Canton still leading by nine points, Carlee Miller sank a layup in the paint and Alexis Klohr quickly followed with a steal and a layup to pull the Highlanders within five. 
 
After a pair of free throws by the Roos, Taylor Johnson completed a three-point play.  The Roos responded with a jumper on the other end, but Johnson answered back with a long three and another three-point play to tie the game.
 
With four minutes remaining in the game, Miller scored again to give Houghton their first lead of the game, and the Highlanders never looked back, allowing Canton only one point the remainder of the way while tacking on six more to pull away.
  
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 49 | SUNY Canton – 41
Records: Houghton: 4-3 | SUNY Canton: 3-4
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton College | Attendance: 118

NOTABLE STATS
>> After scoring only 25 points through the first three quarters, the Highlanders outscored the Roos in the fourth quarter, 24-7.
 
>> The Highlanders shot progressively better throughout the game, increasing their shooting percentage from 7.1% in the first, to 30.8% in the second, to 35.7% in the third, and finally to 69.2% in the final quarter.
 
>> Miller posted a team-high 12 points and blocked three shots, while Klohr added 11 points, six boards and three steals.
 
>> Naomi Ouedraogo proved a force in the paint for the Highlanders, coming off the bench to block eight shots and grab nine rebounds, two steals and four points.  Houghton blocked a total of 12 shots on the night.
 
>> Shanelle Borth led the Roos with a double-double, posting 10 points and 10 rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Aurora, NY on Friday for a non-conference matchup with the Wells Express at 6:00 p.m.  Houghton is 3-0 all-time against the Express and won the last tilt between the two teams, 72-36, on December 4, 2019.