AURORA, NY— The Wells Express pulled away down the stretch, turning a close game into a victory over the visiting Houghton Highlanders on Friday night, 84-71.
 
After playing to a three-point Wells advantage at the half, the two teams battled closely throughout the opening minutes of the second period. 
 
The Express, however, would reel off an 11-2 run and lead by 12 points with just under 12 minutes to play. 
 
Over the next six minutes Houghton would battle back, trimming the deficit to only five points on a Luke Cole layup.  That, however, would be as close as the Highlanders would come, as Wells outscored Houghton over the final six minutes, 13-5, to seal the win.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 71 | Wells – 84  
Records: Houghton: 2-6 (1-1 Empire 8) | Wells: 5-6 (0-1 United East)
Venue: Farenthold Athletic Wing, Wells College | Attendance: 110

NOTABLE STATS
>> Both teams took 69 shots apiece, but Wells cashed in on five more baskets, shooting seven percentage points higher (49%-to-42%) from the floor.
 
>> Esafe Taufahema went 9-for-11 from the floor, collecting his fourth double-double of the season with 21 points and 14 rebounds.
 
>> Daniel Rosario chipped in 16 points, while Jajuan Preaster added 15 points, six steals and four assists.  Preaster is currently averaging 3.13 steals per game.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We're losing games because of our decision making and our failure to rebound. We need to fix that or the results won't change.
 
"When you turn it over 20+ times per game and your opponent grabs double digit offensive rebounds, that is a lot of extra possessions to overcome. We defended better in the second half, but just didn't finish possessions with boards."
 
On Esafe [Taufahema] and Daniel [Rosario]: "Those two have been playing so well, especially offensively. Their scoring efficiency and shot selection is fantastic and their field goal percentage shows that. They are two more reasons why turnovers and bad shots hurt so much.  Guys like [Daniel] and [Esafe] get fewer looks." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders will have nearly a month off before returning to the Nielsen Center on Tuesday, January 3^rd, when they will look to avenge this past Wednesday's loss to Empire 8 rival Alfred University.  Tip-off time is slated for 7:30 pm, following the conclusion of the women's game against the Saxons.