PITTSFORD, NY – A 21-0 St. John Fisher run midway through the first half, followed moments later by a 6-0 burst, propelled the Cardinals past the visiting Houghton Highlanders on Friday night, 83-52. 
 
The Cardinals took a 23-point lead into the break, then outscored the Highlanders by eight, 37-29, in the second half to finish off the win. 
 
Ball control, rebounding and free throw shooting proved to be the difference for the Cardinals in the win. 
 
While Houghton committed only 13 turnovers, the Cardinals gave the ball away only seven times.  At the line, the Highlanders made 5-of-7 free throws while Fisher sank 23-of-32 from the line, thanks to a 22-12 personal foul differential. 
 
Finally, the Cardinals wiped the glass clean, outrebounding the Highlanders, 50-32. 
 
Freshman David Rosa proved a bright spot for Houghton, scoring nine points on 4-of-7 from the floor, while grabbing seven rebounds.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 52 | St. John Fisher – 83
Records: Houghton: 1-12 (1-3 Empire 8) | St. John Fisher: 12-4 (6-1 Empire 8)
Venue: Manning & Napier Varsity Gymnasium, St. John Fisher College | Attendance: 470

NOTABLE STATS
>> Jordan Holmes matched Rosa with nine points, giving him 1,203 points for his career.  He now trails eight-place-holder Yannick Anzuluni (2006-10) on the career leader board by only 17 points.
 
>> Brendan Trapper paced the Cardinals with 16 points, while Daniel Cook added 12 points, seven rebounds and five assists, and Ian Duncan tallied 12 points, six rebounds and five assists.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders head to Utica tomorrow to take on the Utica College Pioneers at 2:00 p.m.  The Pioneers have won each of the past nine meetings between the two teams, including the most recent matchup, 81-63, on March 20, 2021.