HOUGHTON, NY – Twenty-eight points from Jajuan Preaster was not enough to overcome a strong second-half from the Empire-8 front-running Utica Pioneers, as they defeated the Houghton Highlanders on Friday night, 83-70. 
 
After Utica scored a last second bucket to finish the first half with a one-point lead, the Pioneers went on a 9-0 run to start the second half thanks to three straight three-pointers from Avery Coston. 
 
As the teams neared the midway point of the final 20 minutes, the Highlanders looked to be finished, as the Pioneers reeled off an 11-0 run to open their lead to 18 points.
 
But Houghton refused to cave.  With less than eight minutes to play, a Preaster layup pulled the Highlanders within 11, and moments later a layup by David Rosa cut the Pioneers advantage to nine.
 
After Utica missed a three on the ensuing possession, Daniel Rosario hit a three of his own to make the score 70-64 with on 5:36 left on the clock.
 
While Houghton stayed within striking distance of the Empire 8's top team for a couple more minutes, eventually the Pioneers began to pull away, ending the Highlanders upset dreams.
 
GAME VITALS
Score: Houghton – 70 | Utica – 83
Records: Houghton: 4-12 (3-6 Empire 8) | Utica: 13-2 (8-0 Empire 8)
Venue: Dix Family Court, The Nielsen Center, Houghton University | Attendance: 185

NOTABLE STATS
>> Preaster finished his night 13-of-22 from the floor, and his 28 total points are his second-highest total of the season.  He has scored at least 20 points in six games this season, including each of the last three.
 
>> David Rosa posted 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists.  The sophomore guard has reached double-digit point totals 11 times this season and grabbed at least seven rebounds six times, including each of the last three games.
 
>> Thomas Morreale scored 19 points for the Pioneers, giving him 999 points for his career.
 
COACH'S CORNER
"We're taking big strides now. That short window to start the second half was our lapse. While brief, it was enough of an opening that teams at Utica's level will not let it pass by without making you pay.
 
"I was just really impressed with our resilience after giving up that run. Their effort to cut the lead back down to six is why they are making me more and more of a believer in how far they can take this program each and every game.
 
"Juan Preaster is playing at a pretty high level at both ends. He's a smart player that can make tough, physical buckets. With his current mindset, I think he's only going to keep getting better." – Head Coach Jeremy Bialek
 
UP NEXT
The Highlanders return to the Nielsen Center tomorrow afternoon when they will host the Keuka Wolves at 4:00 p.m.