SCRANTON, PA –Jackson Mascari scored 16 points and grabbed 11 boards to lead the York (Pa.) Spartans past the Houghton Highlanders, 71-48, on the second day of the Scranton University Invitational. 
 
The Highlanders committed 32 turnovers, leading to 33 York points.  The Spartans also grabbed 15 offensive rebounds, scoring 12 additional points on second-chance opportunities.
 
After a slow offensive start by both teams, the Spartans led by eight, 24-16, at the half.  York quickly widened the gap in the second half, building their advantage to more than 20 points in just over five minutes. 
 
Houghton would claw back to within 13 only minutes later, but would come no closer for the remainder of the game.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 48 |York – 71
Records: Houghton: 0-3 | York: 2-1
Venue: John Long Center, Scranton University | Attendance: 127

NOTABLE STATS
>> Esafe Taufahema notched his first career double-double, scoring 16 points, shooting 6-of-10 from the floor, and pulling down 10 rebounds.  Through three games this season he is averaging 21.3 points per game.
 
>> Luke Cole went 4-for-8 from the floor, collecting eight points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots, while  Jajuan Preaster added 11 points for the Highlanders.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Obviously, we cannot continue to hand opponents possessions.  Scranton converted our turnovers into 24 points last night and York enjoyed 33 free points today.  We're defending too hard to just give away points on turnovers and boards. Decision making has to improve across the board and I believe it will." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will head across the county on Tuesday to take on the Alfred State Pioneers in a non-conference rivalry game at 7:00 p.m.