ALFRED, NY— The Alfred Saxons took an early lead and never looked back, defeating the Houghton Highlanders on Tuesday night, 61-43.
 
The Saxons scored the game's opening basket just under two minutes into the game and never trailed, leading, 13-7, after the first quarter and 29-18 at the half. 
 
Houghton created turnovers throughout the first half but struggled to generate consistent offensive production, shooting only 21 percent from the floor through the first 20 minutes.
 
Alfred would return to the court with guns blazing, converting 10-of-15 shots (67 percent) in the third quarter.
 
The Highlanders finally gained some traction in the final quarter, outscoring the Saxons, 14-10, over the final 10 minutes, but the deficit proved insurmountable as Alfred walked away with the win.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 61 | Alfred – 43
Records: Houghton: 7-9 (1-6 Empire 8) | Alfred: 7-9 (2-5 Empire 8)
Venue: Terry S. Galanis Family Arena, Alfred University| Attendance: 110

NOTABLE STATS
>> Alexis Klohr led the Highlanders with 13 points, the ninth time she has reached double-digits this season.  She currently ranks second on the team in scoring with 10.2 points per game.
 
>> While Houghton won the battle of the turnovers, 15-20, the Saxons outrebounded the Highlanders, 53-36.
 
>> Alfred's Ana Ion posted 15 points and nine rebounds, and Leah Harkenrider added 14 points and six rebounds.
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders travel to Elmira College on Saturday to take on the Soaring Eagles at 5:30 p.m.  Houghton has won each of the last three matchups between the two schools, and eight of the last nine.  Most recently, the Highlanders claimed victory in both meetings last spring, 81-39 at the Nielsen Center, and 56-41 at Elmira.