HOUGHTON, NY – A relentless, high-pressure defense by the Houghton Highlanders forced 26 turnovers and grabbed 20 steals, defeating the Alfred State Pioneers, 80-47, to remain undefeated on the season.
 
The game looked like it would be a close one through the first 10 minutes, as the Highlanders clung to a three-point lead, 16-13, at the end of the first quarter.  But the Highlanders depth and constant pressure slowly wore the Pioneers down.  By the half, Houghton led by 15 points, 35-20, and the gap only widened throughout the final 20 minutes.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 80 | Alfred State – 47 
Records: Houghton: 5-0 | Alfred State: 1-4
Venue: The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 97

NOTABLE STATS
>> Houghton's 5-0 start is the first time they have accomplished the feat since 2009-10.  The best starts to a season in Houghton history was accomplished by both the 1992-93 and 1970-71 teams, who both started their seasons with seven straight wins.
 
>>  The Highlanders have won their victories by an average margin of 33.2 points per game.
 
>> Houghton won the battles of the boards (48-to-38), assists (23-to-10), blocks (8-to-1) and steals (20-to-8).  The Highlanders were whistled for 23 personal fouls while the Pioneers picked up only nine fouls.
 
>> After shooting a respectable 38% from the floor in the first half, Houghton knocked down 57% of their shots in the second half, and an impressive 64% in the fourth quarter.
 
>> Carlee Miller went 8-for-13 from the floor, scoring a season-high 19 points, while also grabbing seven boards, three assists, two steals and two blocked shots.  Miller has scored at least 10 points in all five games this season, and is currently averaging 14.4 points per game.
 
>> Crysta Lacrosse set a new career-high with 18 points, going 7-for-11 from the floor and 4-for-6 from beyond the arc.  She also added five assists and two steals.
 
>> Emma Cole added 10 points in only 12 minutes of play, and Michaella Roth turned in a solid all-around outing with nine points, five rebounds, five assists and four steals.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"Our depth won today.  It's really cool to see a bunch of different people step up.
 
"We are a very young team that's getting better every game.  We are starting to flow together offensively more and more.
 
"Nobody cares who scores, everyone just wants to win.  That's going to be significant for us moving forward. 
 
"I can't wait to get after it again after a much-needed Thanksgiving break." – Head Coach Phil Pellegrino
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will take the next week off for Thanksgiving break before returning to the Nielsen Center on Wednesday, November 30 for another non-conference tilt with the Cazenovia Wildcats at 7:00 p.m.