HOUGHTON, NY – Three Houghton players scored at least 14 points apiece as the Highlanders defeated the visiting Pitt-Bradford Panthers on Tuesday night, 80-55, to remain undefeated this season.
 
Crysta Lacrosse (17 points) and Michaella Roth (15 points) each notched career highs in scoring for the Highlanders, while Carlee Miller added a solid 14 points. 
 
Houghton's high-pressure, full-court defense gave the Panthers fits all game long, forcing 30 Pitt-Bradford turnovers, converting them into 29 points for the Highlanders.
 
Houghton also turned in a dominant performance on the glass, out-rebounding the Panthers (47-to-39), including 18 offensive boards and 13 second-chance points.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 80 | Pitt-Bradford – 55
Records: Houghton: 3-0 | Pitt-Bradford: 0-3
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 132

NOTABLE STATS
>> After shooting only 1-for-6 (16.7%) from long-range in the first quarter, the Highlanders connected on 10-of-23 (43.5%) from beyond the arc over the remaining 30 minutes. 
 
>> In addition to Roth's 15 points, she also collected seven rebounds, five assists and three steals.
 
>> One day removed from receiving Empire 8 Rookie of the Week honors, Emma Cole pulled down a career-high 13 rebounds and added four steals and two blocked shots.
 
>> Cassidy King led the Panthers with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds to complete her first double-double of the season.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"It's always nice to get a win!  I'm proud of our group.  They give it their all every day in practice.
 
"The [team] was happy about this win but not content, which is very cool to see as a coach.  They see where improvements can be made and are hungry to keep getting after it.
 
"We shot the ball much better today.  Once we clean up some turnovers and timing issues I feel like our offense will be very tough to guard moving forward." – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center on Friday at 7:00 p.m. to take on the Wells Express.  Houghton has won each of the last four meetings between the two teams, including last year, when the Highlanders defeated the Express, 79-27, in Aurora.